Italy expressed deep concern over the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement to proceed with the construction of 5,000 housing units in the illegal settlements of Har Homa and Givat Hamatos in occupied East Jerusalem, the Palestinian News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported.
Italy’s foreign ministry in a press statement issued Saturday, affirmed that settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law. “We therefore urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider the declared decision.”
French Foreign Ministry, on Friday, condemned Israel’s plans stating “expansion of these two settlements directly undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state, as the European Union has reiterated on several occasions.”
It reaffirmed that “the two-state solution, with both states living in peace and security within secure, recognized borders and with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.”
Germany Friday called on Israel to end its illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“The German government once again calls on the Israeli government to abandon plans to build new housing units which violate international law,” it added, referencing United Nations Security Council UNSC resolution 2334, which confirms the illegality of the Israeli settlements.
The ministry said that Germany “would only recognize changes on the June 4, 1967 borders that are reached through negotiations, including in Jerusalem.”
Image: PNN
