09/01/2020 (Agence Europe) – The European Union condemned, on Thursday 9 January, the approval by the Israeli authorities on 5 and 6 January of the construction of nearly 2,000 housing units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the retroactive approval of existing constructions, some of which were built on private Palestinian land. “The European Union reiterates its clear position that all settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace”, said the spokesperson of the European External Action Service in a statement. He added: “We call on the government of Israel to fully comply with international law, end all settlement activity on occupied territories and related actions”. (AN)