From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 8, 2024
France condemns Israeli recognition of 5 new West Bank settlements
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
France “strongly condemns” in a statement Israel’s recognition of five new settlements, the approval of the construction of thousands of new homes in the West Bank, and the declaration of thousands of acres of land in the Jordan Valley as state land.
The statement says that the moves are “extremely serious” because of their implications for the stability of the West Bank and the region.
“Israeli colonization of the Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, constitutes a violation of international law,” says France.
“In addition to being a major obstacle to any just and lasting peace, this policy fuels tensions on the ground as violence perpetrated by settlers increases against the Palestinian population.”
