Statement by France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden

"We are deeply concerned by the decision of the Israeli Higher Planning Council to advance plans for the construction of more than 4.000 housing units in the West Bank. We urge the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision.
The new housing units would constitute an additional obstacle to the two-State Solution. Israeli settlements are in clear violation of international law and stand in the way of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
This decision, as well as demolitions and evictions affecting the Palestinian populations in East-Jerusalem and Area C, directly threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.
In this respect, we also urge the Israeli authorities not to proceed with any planned demolitions or evictions, especially in Masafer Yatta.”