OFFICIAL STATEMENT 001

Statement from the spokespersons for the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, Italy and Spain on the construction of new settlements and eviction and demolition plans

Alongside Germany, France and Italy, Spain expresses its deep concern over the decision by the Israeli authorities to build several hundred new homes in East Jerusalem, including in the zone between the settlements of Givat Hamatos and Har Homa. The new homes would further disconnect the West Bank from East Jerusalem and represent an additional obstacle to a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. We therefore urge the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision.

January 19, 2022

Said decision represents a direct threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state. The Israeli settlements constitute a flagrant violation of International Law and stand in the way of progress towards a fair, lasting and global peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by recent events in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. We urge the Government of Israel to permanently stop the eviction and demolition processes in East Jerusalem, as well as in Area C, which are helping to feed tensions in the area.

-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-