EU RENEWS CALL FOR ISRAEL TO HALT WEST BANK SETTLEMENT EXPANSION

The European Union urged Israel on Friday to cease settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, stating that continued construction threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state. An EU spokesperson called on Israel to stop legalising settlement outposts, appropriating land, demolishing structures, and forcibly evicting Palestinians. The statement followed Israel's security cabinet approval of 1.3 billion shekels (approximately $427.8 million) to establish 34 new settlements in the territory, marking one of the largest recent investments in settlement expansion.

The UN, International Court of Justice and most countries classify Israeli settlements in territory occupied since 1967 as illegal under international law, a position the EU has long supported. Israel rejects this interpretation and does not recognise EU sovereignty claims over the territories. The 27-member EU bloc remains divided on whether to implement stronger measures; foreign ministers this week failed to reach consensus on proposals that could restrict trade with settlements in the occupied West Bank, despite calls from several member states for tougher action.

The renewed diplomatic pressure coincides with continuing violence in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian officials have criticised the funding allocation, and international partners have raised concerns about the settlement expansion. Palestinians, including children, have been injured in separate incidents involving Israeli settlers and Israeli forces, according to reports from the territory.