Israel's plans to build 3 000 new settlement units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem would make a two-state solution impossible, MEPs warn in a resolution passed on Thursday. They insist that direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians must resume and urge all parties to refrain from any action that could hinder peace efforts.
The construction of the new settlements announced by the Israeli government on 2 December would make it impossible to create a viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State as they would divide the West Bank, MEPs note. They stress that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law and must be stopped immediately.
MEPs also say Israel must immediately release the USD 100 million in Palestinian tax revenues withheld, according to the Israeli finance minister, in order to pay Palestinian debts to the Israeli Electric Corporation. They encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to settle all outstanding financial disputes through EU mediation.
Parliament condemns the statements by Hamas' political leader Khaled Meshal rejecting the recognition of the State of Israel, calls on Hamas to recognise Israel's right to exist and calls again for Palestinian reconciliation.
Procedure: Non-legislative resolution
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