Britain Condemns Israel's Approval of 19 Settlements in the West Bank

SadaNews - The British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, condemned the Israeli government's approval for the construction of 19 new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Falconer added, in a tweet on "X" platform, that these settlements are illegal under international law, warning that this measure threatens to undermine the "Twenty Points Plan," as well as jeopardizing the prospects for lasting peace and security, which he emphasized can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

The Israeli security cabinet approved, yesterday (Sunday), a plan to establish 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that is likely to escalate tensions in the Palestinian territories.

Israeli media reported that the plan includes expanding the scope of settlement and bolstering the Israeli presence in several areas of the West Bank.

This development comes amid escalating international criticism of Israel's settlement expansion policies, which are considered violations of international law, with warnings about their severe implications on the chances for achieving a political solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

According to the Israeli "Peace Now" movement, approximately half a million settlers live in settlements in the occupied West Bank, while around 250,000 settlers reside in settlements built on lands in East Jerusalem.

Israeli media previously revealed that settlers have constructed over 140 outposts in the occupied West Bank since Benjamin Netanyahu's current government took office nearly three years ago.

Observers believe that the increased pace of settlement in the West Bank would undermine the possibility of implementing the two-state solution, as outlined in resolutions issued by the United Nations.