Dujaric Condemns Approval of Settlement Construction in West Bank’s E1 Area
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, quoting Al Jazeera Qatar, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, stated that Antonio Guterres condemns the authorization of over 3,400 Israeli settlement units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.
He emphasized that Israeli settlements in the west Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law and contradict UN resolutions.
The Secretary-General also warned that continuing settlement plans in E1 poses an existential threat to a two-state solution.
Guterres once again called on Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities.
On Wednesday night, Israel’s cabinet officially approved final plans for settlement construction in the so-called E1 area of East Jerusalem. This project had been repeatedly halted since the 1990s due to international opposition.
According to Peace Now movement monitoring settlement activity, this unprecedentedly rapid approval includes more than 3,401 new housing units and a new settlement called “Ish Ahel,” featuring 342 housing units along with public buildings.
Germany Condemns Israeli Military Operations in Gaza and Settlement expansion in West Bank
steffen Meer, Deputy Government Spokesperson of Germany, condemned escalating military operations at a press conference in Berlin. He said: “We reject increased violence in these conflicts and call on all parties and the international community to achieve an immediate lasting ceasefire.”
He added that Germany will use all available means to work toward such a ceasefire while intensifying pressure for the release of all prisoners.
Separately, Josef Hinterszher, Deputy Spokesperson for Germany’s foreign Ministry criticized Israeli settlements east of Jerusalem stating: ”our government’s position is clear; we strongly reject these actions. Settlement expansion violates international law and security Council resolutions.”
He further noted that these measures undermine efforts toward a two-state solution and end occupation in the West Bank as demanded by the International Court of Justice.
Belgium Calls for Halt to Israeli Operations in Gaza
The Belgian Foreign Ministry posted on its official X page urging Israel to stop Operation Gideon II. The statement highlighted concerns over civilian casualties, widespread destruction, displacement caused by this attack-and emphasized it would not aid Israeli prisoner releases.
