Brussels, ALRAY - The European Union has reiterated that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and threaten the viability of a two-state solution.

Spokesperson for the EU’s External Affairs, Peter Stano, said that the European Union is concerned by Israel’s announced plans to advance planning for more than 4,000 settlement units in the occupied West Bank at the end of June, calling on ‘Israel’ not to proceed with it.

Stano pointed out that these unilateral steps go against the need to ensure calm and defuse tensions on the ground.

“The European Union remains supportive of the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh communiques, and urges all parties to recommit themselves to de-escalation, and to pave the way towards a political horizon,” he added.

The European Union is strongly concerned by the latest events in Jenin, which have led to several civilian casualties, the EU’s spokesperson said.