West Bank & Jerusalem
Von der Leyen condemns Israeli West Bank settlement construction plan
Graphic: Times of Palestine
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined other European countries Friday in condemning Israel's plan to open construction tenders for a West Bank settlement project, according to Middle East Eye. The joint European opposition underscores mounting concern among EU member states over Israeli settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territory.
Von der Leyen's statement places the EU's executive branch alongside individual European governments in formally objecting to the initiative. The settlement project announcement came as Israel continues to advance construction in areas claimed by Palestinians for a future state. European countries have repeatedly criticized such expansion as an obstacle to peace efforts and a violation of international law.
