Are "illegal"

West Bank: EU criticizes expansion of settlements

A settlement in the West Bank(Bild: APA/AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI)

The EU and Berlin have condemned Israeli plans to build around 3,500 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank. 

The settlements are illegal under international law and would represent an obstacle to peace by jeopardizing the two-state solution.

On Thursday, the EU External Action Service in Brussels published a statement urging Israel to reverse these decisions.

There are also fears of further tensions in view of upcoming religious festivals. The EU position remains unchanged: "It will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem."

Berlin also criticized the plans
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry explained that the expansion of settlements endangers peace and security for all people in the region equally.

Thousands of new housing units
According to reports, Israel has approved the construction of around 3,500 homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank. Several Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the competent authority had approved construction plans in three settlements near Jerusalem. A total of 3476 new housing units had been approved. The EU External Action Service spoke of 3426 units in its press release. 

The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.