Ireland condemns Israel’s plan to build new illegal settlement units

Ireland has expressed its concerns and disappointment over Israel’s plans to build 850 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying this decision “undermines the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State.”
“I am extremely disappointed at the announcement earlier this week by the Israeli authorities regarding a further 800 housing units within Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal under international law,” said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
Minister @simoncoveney's statement on the announcement by Israeli authorities regarding expansion of settlements in the West Bank ⬇️.
See full statement at: https://t.co/kva9qu4FCo. pic.twitter.com/62xkKvmujy
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) January 17, 2021
He added, “I continue to be very concerned about the tender for construction of a new settlement of over 1,200 housing units in Givat Hamatos.”
“The expansion of settlements in this strategically sensitive area between Jerusalem and Bethlehem will undermine the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution in line with internationally agreed parameters.”
The minister also reiterated his call on the Israeli occupation government to reverse this decision and to halt all settlement activity.
“I urge all parties to respect international law and to avoid unilateral actions which erode trust and confidence – critical components to the resumption of meaningful negotiations – between the parties,” he said.
‘Israel’ plans to approve the construction of 850 illegal settlement units before Biden’s inauguration.
‘Israel’ said that 500 units will be built in Itmar, Beit El, Shavi Shomoron, Oranit, and Gav’at Ze’iv illegal settlements.
‘Israel’ will also approve the construction of 250 units in the settlement outpost of Niveh Nihmah in the village of Iskaka in the North of the occupied West Bank, as well as, 100 units in Tal Al Manshiyyeh in western Jenin.
The Israeli government increased its settlement activity and land confiscation in the West Bank and Jerusalem during Trump’s term, who gave ‘Israel’ many gifts to expand its illegal colonial settlement project and steal Palestinians’ land.
There are nearly 600,000 Israeli settlers living in 256 illegal settlements and outposts scattered across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.