Europe Denounces Israel’s Expanded Control Measures in West Bank
According to reports, the European Union, alongside France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Belgium, expressed disapproval after Israel’s security cabinet approved measures on Sunday intended to adjust the legal and civil framework in the territory, effectively strengthening Israeli authority.
The measures reportedly include revoking a law that prevented the sale of West Bank land to private Israeli citizens, opening previously restricted land ownership records, and transferring responsibility for building permits in a settlement area near Hebron from a Palestinian municipal authority to Israel’s civil administration.
"The European Union condemns recent decisions by Israel's security cabinet to expand Israeli control in the West Bank. This move is another step in the wrong direction while the whole international community is making an effort to implement phase two of the comprehensive plan for Gaza," spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said during a midday briefing at the European Commission.
A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Ministry told reports that the decision "contravenes Israel's obligations under international law and represents a further obstacle on the path to a two-state solution."
Similarly, a representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said, "The UK has been clear: any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and would be inconsistent with international law. We call on Israel to reverse these decisions immediately."
Spain’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement asserting that the Israeli measures disrupt the status quo in the West Bank and threaten the territorial and political cohesion of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, urging Israel to adhere to its international obligations.
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