Israel – Palestinian Territories
France condemns the Israeli authorities’ recent decisions aimed at allowing the construction of several thousand homes (3,000 as of October 18) in settlements in the West Bank, including for the first time since 2002 in the heart of Hebron. The uninterrupted continuation of the settlement policy, confirmed by these new projects, only serves to fuel tensions on the ground and undermines the prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. In this respect, the work in progress in Givat Hamatos and the announcements of new projects in the E1 area are especially troubling.
Settlement activity, as reaffirmed by UNSCR 2334, is illegal under international law. The ongoing settlement activity has reached an unprecedented level since the beginning of the year: The progress of settlement projects tripled between 2016 and 2017. This sends a very negative message which can only undermine the necessary trust between the parties, as reaffirmed by President Macron in July.
France calls on the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision and to comply with their international obligations.