Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union condemned the approval by the Israeli Supreme Planning Committee last Wednesday of plans to develop more than 3,426 housing units, and the expansion of illegal settlements throughout the occupied West Bank, especially in this charged environment, according to what was stated in a European statement distributed in Brussels by the Office of the European External Action Section, H. in The European statement also said, "The European Union urges Israel to reverse these decisions. The European Union reiterates that the settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace because they threaten the two-state solution. Moreover, the expansion of settlements is not entirely consistent with efforts to ease tensions."
The EU's position remains unchanged: it will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties.
Before upcoming celebrations such as Ramadan, Passover, Purim, and Passover, it is important to maintain the status quo of the holy places, in line with previous understandings and with respect for the special role that Jordan plays. The European Union reiterates its call for an immediate humanitarian truce that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance.