France condemns Israel’s plan to build more settlements in West Bank
PARIS ,(ST) – France on Tuesday condemned Israel’s plan to advance construction of 800 more Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank in a move to cement the projects before U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry urged Israeli authorities to drop the plan. It said: “(We) call on the parties to avoid any unilateral measures that could jeopardise the two-state solution founded on international law and agreed parameters.”
Palestinians have condemned such construction as illegal. The move appeared timed to set Israel’s blueprint in indelible ink before Joe Biden, who has been critical of its settlement policies, becomes U.S. president on Jan. 20.
Haifaa Mafalani