Condemns Israel's Plan To Expand Illegal Settlements In Palestine During Gaza Crisis, EU Diplomat: Serious Violation

JAKARTA - EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the Israeli government's decision to provide funds to expand illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

"I am surprised to learn that in the midst of war, the Israeli government is ready to provide new funds to build more illegal settlements," he said, launching Daily Sabah on November 27.

"This is not self-defense and will not make Israel safer. The settlement is a gross violation of HHI, and is Israel's biggest security responsibility," he wrote on social media X, using the abbreviation of International Humanitarian Law.

Borrell himself participated in the Mediterranean Union Forum which was held in Barcelona, Spain on Monday.

On the occasion, Borrell also strengthened the proposed two-state solution, which is supported by all major countries in the world, including the European Union.

I’m appalled to learn that in the middle of a war, the Israeli gov is poised to commit new funds to build more illegal settlements. This is not self-defence and will not make Israel safer. The settlements are grave IHL breach, and they are Israel’s greatest security liability.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) November 27, 2023

I'm applied to learn that in the middle of a war, the Israeli gov is drained to commit new funds to build more illegal settlements. This is not self-defense and will not make Israel safer. The settlements are grave IHL breed, and they are Israel's greatest security liability.

"The settlement is Israel's biggest security responsibility and is a violation of international law; Palestinian countries in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza are the best guarantees for Israel's security and peace," Borrell said.

On the same occasion, he also welcomed the Hamas-Israel ceasefire as a key step to ending the ongoing crisis.

"The four-day ceasefire is an important first step in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but more is needed to find a way out of this crisis," he explained.

He called for an extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which will end on Monday evening local time.

"This jeda must be extended so that it is sustainable and lasts a long time while trying to find a political solution," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Borrell demanded that the UN Security Council's resolution on the humanitarian break in Gaza be carried out.

"The Security Council's decision is not just words. The decision must be made," said Borrell.