In a joint statement released Tuesday, the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden declared that these settlements violate international law.

The countries pledged to pursue either coordinated European restrictions or independent national measures. The initiative follows an agreement among French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the urgent need to prevent further deterioration in the region.

Condemnation of settlement expansion

The ministers condemned the rapid escalation of violence in the West Bank alongside renewed settlement expansion, specifically pointing to tenders for construction in the E1 area, which they described as unacceptable.

They warned that Israeli government actions are undermining the viability of a two-state solution and called for an immediate halt to settlement activities.

Calls for accountability

The signatory nations also called for robust accountability for those responsible for violence and thorough investigations into alleged involvement by Israeli forces.

Furthermore, the countries strongly repudiated any measures leading toward the annexation of Palestinian territory or the forced displacement of local populations.

They reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserving a two-state solution.