EU: Settlement building ‘jeopardizes’ prospect of Palestinian state

The European Union blasts Israel’s approval of some 2,000 settlement units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“If implemented, these plans would further jeopardize the prospect of a contiguous and viable future Palestinian state,” a statement from a spokesperson for the 28-nation bloc says.

“As reflected in successive Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the EU is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace,” it says.

“The European Union will continue to engage with both parties and with its international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic and viable way to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both parties.”