Overview
- The joint statement, released on December 24, came from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.
- The signatories called on Israel to reverse the approvals in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
- The governments warned the decision risks fueling instability and could undermine implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza’s next phase.
- The statement reiterated opposition to annexation and referenced approvals such as E1 and thousands of additional housing units.
- Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Israel Katz backed the move, and watchdog Peace Now reports recognized West Bank settlements have risen from 141 in 2022 to 210 under the current government.