European Union’s Foreign Affairs High Representative, Federica Mogherini slammed Israel’s new illegal settlements in the West Bank (Photo: Lieven Creemers/ European Union, Creative Commons 2014)

Elham Asaad Buaras

The EU has warned Israel about its plans for thousands of new settlement units, including in the West Bank.The EU’s condemnation came after an Israeli panel approved plans on June 6 for the first new Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank in two decades, drawing Palestinian condemnation and defying repeated international appeals to avoid such measures.

If confirmed, the plans, which Israeli media said also envisages the construction of some 1,800 other settler homes in the West Bank, are likely to deliver a further serious blow to efforts to revive the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

There are about 400,000 Israelis living in the occupied West Bank in settlements and Israel has continued to expand despite being considered illegal under international law.

In a statement issued on June 9 the EU’s Foreign Affairs High Representative, Federica Mogherini, said: “The decisions by the Israeli Government this week to advance plans for thousands of settlement units, including in locations deep inside the West Bank and expanding the existing footprint of built-up areas, further complicate the prospects for a viable two-state solution.”

“Israel’s continued policy of settlement expansion is illegal under international law. The EU calls on both sides to engage in a meaningful process in view of reaching a negotiated two-state solution and reiterates its readiness to support them, together with its international and regional partners. This is the only way to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both parties and to achieve just and lasting peace.”