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14 Countries Condemn Israel’s Approval of 19 New West Bank Settlements
Britain, Canada, France and 11 other countries condemn Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, calling it illegal and a threat to Gaza ceasefire and regional peace.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-25
14 Countries Condemn Israel’s Approval of 19 New West Bank Settlements

Fourteen countries, including Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, have condemned Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move illegal and warning it jeopardizes the fragile Gaza ceasefire and long-term peace in the region.

In a joint statement, the nations emphasized that Israel’s actions violate international law and risk undermining efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. They reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation and settlement expansion and urged Israel to reverse its decision.

“We are resolute in our support of Palestinians’ right to self-determination and reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution,” the statement said.

Israel, however, rejected the criticism, calling it discriminatory. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that foreign governments have no right to restrict Jews from living in Israel. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also defended the settlement plan, asserting it aims to prevent the establishment of a future Palestinian state. He added that the government has approved or legalized 69 settlements since taking office in late 2022.

The United Nations has also criticized Israel’s settlement expansion, noting it has reached its highest level since at least 2017. UN officials argue that the growth of settlements in the West Bank obstructs the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state and remains a major obstacle to a two-state solution.

Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh noted that the recent settlements are concentrated in the northeastern West Bank, a region that previously saw minimal settlement activity, and that the move strengthens ideological and sometimes violent settlers, exacerbating tensions with Palestinians.
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Israel

Palestine

westbank

Settlements
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