In Turkey, Kallas says settlement expansion undermines prospects for two states
In Turkey, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank undermines the prospects for a viable two-state solution. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.
The European Union’s position
According to Kallas, the United Kingdom and 11 other countries have announced support for trade sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. She also said that all EU member states agree that these settlements are illegal under international law.
Kallas noted that the EU remains the largest donor of humanitarian aid for Gaza and the West Bank. According to her, the European Union is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, with the two states coexisting peacefully within secure and recognized borders.
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Joint declaration by the countries
France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Canada announced their intention to introduce national restrictions on trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements and/or support European restrictions.
In a joint declaration, the countries stated that the situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating due to unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion. They opposed actions that could lead to the annexation of Palestinian land or the forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
The authors of the statement called on Israel to stop expanding illegal settlements and civilian administrative powers. They also called for accountability for those involved in violence and for investigations into allegations concerning Israeli forces.
