ISTANBUL – The European Union and major European nations including France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands condemned Israel’s recent decisions to strengthen its control over the occupied West Bank.
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The Israeli security cabinet approved measures on Sunday that include repealing a law barring the sale of West Bank land to private Israelis, unsealing land ownership records, and transferring authority for building permits in a settlement bloc near Hebron from a Palestinian municipality to Israel’s civil administration.
🇫🇷 France says Israel’s actions in the #WestBank violate international law and Oslo agreements. Measures include #settlements and land purchases, undermining peace efforts.#News #International #Israel #WestBank #Peace #Safety #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/pWiWYbU7eV
— خبرنگار آزاد (@Af_Journalist) February 11, 2026
EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the moves “are another step in the wrong direction” amid international efforts to implement phase two of the Gaza peace plan. Germany called the measures a violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, while the UK said any attempt to alter the geographic or demographic makeup of Palestine is “wholly unacceptable.”
France warned that the decisions undermine ongoing peace efforts and risk fueling tensions, describing them as “a serious blow to the two-state solution.” Belgium cited UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, emphasizing that Israeli actions contravene international law.
Other European countries, including Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, echoed concerns, urging Israel to reverse the measures and respect international obligations. Officials highlighted that unilateral actions in the West Bank threaten territorial and political unity and could hinder broader regional peace initiatives.
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The European condemnations come amid heightened international efforts to stabilize Gaza and advance negotiations toward a two-state solution.