France Condemns Israel's West Bank Control Expansion as Violation of International Law
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned recent decisions by Israel's security cabinet to expand control over the West Bank, including areas A and B.
Al Arabiya reported on Tuesday that these decisions violate international law and undermine the Oslo Accords and the Hebron Protocol. France described the actions, including approval of the E1 settlement project and issuance of related tenders, as a serious assault on the two-state solution.
Paris warned that the decisions come at a time when international efforts are focused on implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, potentially undermining peace efforts and escalating tensions. France urged Israel to immediately revoke the decisions and reaffirm its commitment to a just and lasting peace based on UN Security Council resolutions and principles outlined in the New York Declaration.
A US official stated that US President Donald Trump firmly opposes any Israeli annexation of the West Bank, viewing regional stability as essential to Israel's and the area's security.
UN reports indicate that West Bank settlement expansion in 2025 reached its highest level since 2017, with Israel approving 19 new settlements in December alone.
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