JERUSALEM, Sunday, July 24, 2022 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed today the report published by the European Union on 20 July 2022 regarding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

"Despite the continuous statements and condemnations from the EU and world countries, the report clearly states the advancement of more settlement units in the year 2021 compared to the previous year," said the Foreign Ministry.

It said the continuous policies of Israeli governments "provide ample evidence of Israel's defiance of international law and its intentional aim to undermine the Two-State solution. This state of chronic impunity and systemic violence is a direct consequence of the international community's willful failure to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and to enforce international law and relevant resolutions, which has undermined the rules-based international order."

"It is indisputable that exceptionalism and double standards will imbue chaos and destruction for all. Accountability for crimes in Palestine is not and cannot be optional," added the Ministry. 

The Foreign Ministry urged the European Union to immediately suspend its regrettable decision to resume the Association Council meetings with Israel, saying "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and violations of international law should not be met with closer ties and thriving relations."

It pointed out, "The State of Palestine reiterates that there is no such thing as authorized settlements. All settlements are illegal under international law. Israel, the occupying Power, must dismantle all its settlements andr eturn the lands to its rightful Palestinian owners."

"Israel's illegal colonial occupation and settlement enterprise continue to threaten regional and international peace and security."

M.N