Ramallah, May 22 (SANA) The Palestinian presidency welcomed Friday a joint statement issued by leaders of nine countries, including six European states — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Netherlands — in addition to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, condemning escalating settler violence and Israeli government policies in the West Bank.
In a statement, the presidency said the condemnation represents an important step in the right direction and a strong international position supporting international legitimacy while rejecting unilateral Israeli measures that systematically undermine the two-state solution.
The presidency called on the international community to establish serious and effective mechanisms to translate such positions into practical steps aimed at pressuring Israeli occupation authorities to halt measures that violate international legitimacy and international law.
Earlier on Friday, the foreign ministers of Australia, Britain, and several European Union countries denounced the Israeli “E1” settlement plan, warning that it threatens to separate the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian territories.
KhA