The delegates of Ireland, France, Albania and Estonia affirmed in a joint statement on behalf of the current and former members of the European Union in the Security Council, their "deep regret at Israel´s decision to move forward with the construction of more than 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank." Calling on the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision.
The statement, which was read by the representative of the Republic of Ireland to the United Nations, Geraldine Byrne Nason, after the Security Council session to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, this Thursday evening, confirmed that "the new settlement units will constitute an additional obstacle to the two-state solution," noting that Israeli settlements constitute a clear violation of international law and an obstacle to achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The statement added: "This decision, in addition to the retroactive approval of three illegal outposts and demolitions and evictions that affect the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem and Area C, directly threatens the possibility of a future Palestinian state."
The statement urged "the Israeli authorities not to proceed with any planned demolitions or evictions, particularly in Masafer Yatta, which alone could lead to the forcible eviction of more than 1,200 Palestinians."
In a related context, the European statement called "for a comprehensive and independent investigation to clarify all the circumstances of the killing of journalist Shirin Abu Aqleh while working as a journalist in Jenin, and to bring those responsible for her murder to justice," adding: "We are deeply shocked by the violence practiced by the Israeli police towards the participants in her funeral." ".
