BRUSSELS, Belgium- European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has backed trade sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The United Kingdom and 11 other countries announced their support for restrictions on trade linked to the settlements on Tuesday, amid growing international concern over continued construction and settler violence.
Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, said all EU member states agreed that the settlements violated international law.
“All EU Member States agree that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law,” Kallas said.
She warned that continued settlement expansion by the Israeli government was weakening the prospects of establishing an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“The Israeli Government’s settlement expansions in the West Bank are undermining the prospects for a viable two-State solution,” she said.
The UK has announced measures including a ban on goods imported from illegal settlements and restrictions on companies providing financial, property and other services supporting settlement activities.
France and Canada are among the countries supporting action against trade connected to the settlements.
Kallas reiterated the European Union’s commitment to humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, describing the bloc as the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.
She said the EU would continue working towards a negotiated settlement that guarantees security and recognised borders for both Israelis and Palestinians.
“We remain firmly committed to supporting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, with two states living side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders,” Kallas said.
Israel disputes the position that its West Bank settlements are illegal and has strongly criticised the sanctions, describing them as discriminatory and damaging to diplomatic efforts.
The measures come amid heightened international pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied territory.
