Milan, Aug. 21 (LaPresse) – Twenty-one countries, including Italy, have signed a joint statement condemning the decision by Israel's Higher Planning Committee to approve new settlement plans in Area E1 of the West Bank. The document, released by the UK Foreign Office, includes signatures from the foreign ministers of European countries such as France, Germany, and Spain, as well as non-European nations like Canada, Japan, and Australia, along with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.
In the statement, the signatories describe the decision as "unacceptable" and consider it a "violation of international law." The 21 countries strongly urge the Israeli government to immediately revoke the plan, emphasizing that its implementation would make a two-state solution impossible by blocking Palestinian access to Jerusalem and dividing the territory of a future Palestinian state.
Particular attention is given to Israeli minister Smotrich, mentioned as the promoter of a plan that "brings no benefit to the Israeli people," but instead risks increasing tension, violence, and instability in the region. The signatories state that there is still time to stop the E1 project and urgently call on the Israeli government to do so.
Finally, the statement denounces Israel’s unilateral actions as an obstacle to security and prosperity in the Middle East, and calls for the lifting of financial restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority. The signatory countries reiterate the need to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns the construction of settlements in occupied territories.
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