Iran(ITMNA) - UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, denounced the move as "deeply concerning" and a violation of international law. He emphasized that such actions undermine peace efforts and diminish the viability of achieving a two-state solution.
The European Union also strongly condemned the decision, with EU spokesperson Peter Stano terming it a "deliberate attempt at undermining peace efforts." The EU reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution and urged Israel to reverse its decisions immediately.
Germany's Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer criticized Israel's policy of settlement expansion as a serious breach of international law, endangering peace and security for all peoples in the region. Egypt and Jordan also condemned the move, joining the international community in denouncing Israel's plans to legitimize settlements.
The decision to legalize settlements comes after Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the Security Cabinet authorized one outpost for every country that has recognized Palestine as a state in the last month. Several countries have since announced their intention to recognize Palestine as a state, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Malta.
The settlements in question are Evyatar, Givat Assaf, Sde Efraim, Heletz, and Adorayim, and over 600,000 Israelis live in more than 230 settlements built since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. The international community views settlements as illegal under international law due to their construction on occupied territories.
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