BRUSSELS/LONDON. August 25, 2018 (WAFA) – The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) criticized in two separate statements Israeli plans to build 2100 new housing units in illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

An EU spokesperson said in a statement on Friday that these latest settlement plans “would further jeopardize the prospect of a contiguous and viable future Palestinian state.”

The Palestinians want to build their future independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel occupied these territories in June 1967.

“As reflected in successive Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the EU is strongly opposed to Israel‘s settlement policy which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace,” said the spokesperson.

“The European Union will continue to engage with both parties and with its international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic and viable way to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both parties.”

British Minister for Middle East Alistair Burt also denounced in a statement the Israeli settlement plans saying this announcement “continues policies that are rightly condemned internationally. The UK echoes this condemnation today.”

He added: “Settlements are illegal under international law and remain one of the obstacles to a viable two state solution.”

Burt called on Israel “to halt such counterproductive action, and for all parties to commit to further efforts to de-escalate current tensions and create the right environment for a just and lasting peace.”

M.K.