EU leaders urge Israel to reverse settlement expansion, warn businesses against construction bids

European Union leaders urged Israel to immediately reverse the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, including by withdrawing its tender for construction in the E1 area, according to conclusions adopted at the European Council summit in Brussels.

The European Council said the settlements are illegal under international law and reiterated that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments. It warned of legal, economic and reputational consequences for businesses and financial institutions involved in settlement construction, including the risk of serious breaches of international law.

EU leaders also strongly condemned continued and growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians and reiterated their condemnation of Israeli actions aimed at expanding its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The Council expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank and urged Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

It reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine live side by side within secure and recognised borders, and strongly condemned actions, policies and rhetoric that undermine the viability of that solution.