Western countries strongly oppose Israel’s decision to legalize settlements in the West Bank
VOV Washington -
(VOVWORLD) - The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Italy, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and the Secretary of State of the United States on Tuesday released a joint statement on the Israeli government’s announcement that it is advancing nearly 10,000 settlement units and intends to begin a process to legalize nine settlements areas in the occupied West Bank that were previously deemed illegal under Israeli law.
 A soldier stands guard on February 2, 2023 at Gush Etzion junction in the Gush Etzion settlements compound in the Israeli occupied West Bank. (Photo: Reuters)
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The foreign ministers decried Israel’s unilateral actions which will only serve to exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and undermine efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.
They said they continue to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, which must be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties
The joint statement reaffirmed the commitment to helping Israelis and Palestinians fulfill the vision of an Israel fully integrated into the Middle East living alongside a sovereign, viable Palestinian state.
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