The European Union Monday expressed “strong concern” over the latest events in Jenin, which have led to several civilian casualties, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano, said in a statement.
“In line with its long-standing strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, the European Union is concerned by Israel’s announced plans to advance planning for more than 4,000 settlement units in the occupied West Bank at the end of June. The EU calls on Israel not to proceed with this,” he said.
“Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten the viability of the two-state solution,” he noted.
The EU also expressed concern over changes adopted on June 18 by the Israeli occupation-regime to the settlements’ planning and administration process, which will expedite the planning and approval of settlements.
“These unilateral steps go against the need to ensure calm and defuse tensions on the ground. The European Union remains supportive of the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh communiques, and urges all parties to recommit themselves to de-escalation, and to pave the way towards a political horizon,” he added.
According to media reports, five Palestinians, including a 15-year-old boy, have been killed by Israeli occupation troops during a raid into Jenin refugee camp.
Source: Kuwait News Agency
