EU expresses concerns as Israel plans new settlement in occupied West Bank

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has expressed worries over Israel’s announced plans to construct 3,300 new housing units in illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank.

In a statement on X, the EU chief said, “ The announcement by Israeli Minister (Bezalel) Smotrich to build 3,300 new units in illegal West Bank settlements is inflammatory and dangerous.

He added that “Settlements make Israelis and Palestinians less safe, fuel tensions, obstruct peace efforts, and constitute a grave breach of international law.”

Reports say over 700,000 Israeli settlers dwell in 300 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

All Jewish settlements in the occupied regions are unlawful according to international law.

Tensions remained high in the West Bank since Israel started a devastating military incursion into the Gaza Strip in response to a Hamas strike on October 7.

According to the Health Ministry, Israeli army attacks in the occupied territories have killed at least 394 Palestinians and injured 4,400 others.

South Africa earlier dragged Israel to the International Court of Justice over its deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 28,500 people dead.

The UN Court, in an interim ruling, ordered Tel Aviv to prevent genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian relief is provided to civilians in Gaza.