Uk, Australia, Canada Dismayed By West Bank Settlement Expansion
(MENAFN- kuwait news agency (kuna)) london, june 30 (kuna) -- foreign ministers of australia, canada and the uk have voiced deep concern about the israeli far-right government decision to build over 5,700 housing units in the illegal west bank settlements.
"we are gravely concerned by the government of israel's approval on june 26 of over 5,700 new settlement units in the west bank," the foreign ministers said in a joint statement.
"we are also concerned by the changes to the settlement approval process instituted by the government of israel on june 18, which facilitate swifter approval of construction in settlements."
they warned that the continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.
"we call on the government of israel to reverse these decisions."
the foreign ministers also expressed deep concerns about the continued violence and loss of life in israel and in the west bank.
"we unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians. we also condemn the reprehensible and ongoing settler violence targeting palestinians. we welcome the joint statement from the heads of the israel defense forces, israel security agency and the israel police as well as statements by other israeli leaders condemning these acts. we call on authorities to ensure accountability for all perpetrators of violence," they asserted.
they emphasized that the cycle of violence in israel and the west bank must be broken.
"australia, canada and the uk continue to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the middle east, including the creation of a palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with israel," they said, adding that this vision can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties. (end)
nbs.ibi
MENAFN08072023000071011013ID1106572123
.jpg)
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.