Belgium Condemns Israeli Settlement Expansion in East Jerusalem

Palestinians protest against the expansion of a nearby Israeli settlement.

Brussels, 14 Shawwal 1438/9 July 2017 (MINA) – Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders expressed concern Saturday about the Israeli project to build more than 1,800 additional housing units in East Jerusalem, UNA reported.

He noted in a statement that in the last months, the Israeli authorities took several measures to accelerate settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories.

“A law was adopted regularizing settlements that are illegal even under Israeli law and a whole new settlement was established in the West Bank,” said Reynders.

“Israel’s settlement policy in the occupied territories, including in East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law.

Also Read: EU: Israeli Settlements Undermine Prospect of Two-State Solution

“These new announcements risk to seriously compromise a resumption of meaningful peace talks between the two parties to reach a two-state solution and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,” he said.

Belgium will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders, other than those that would be agreed upon by both parties, he added. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)