Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments regarding Gilo settlement

The approval by the Israeli authorities of the construction permits for 181 housing units in the illegal settlement of Gilo contributes to closing the southern settlement ring around East Jerusalem, thereby compromising contiguity between East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which is crucial for the viability of the two-state solution. We regret that Israel has proceeded with these building permits despite continuous serious international concern and objections ever since these plans were first announced.

The steady and systematic acceleration of settlement expansion goes directly against the recommendations of the Quartet Report. Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and seriously call into question Israel's commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, as reaffirmed in numerous Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, most recently in July 2015 and January 2016.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Maja Kocijancic +32 (0)498 984 425 - +32 (0)2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu -  @MajaEUspox  

Nabila Massrali +32 (0)460 75 41 75 -  +32 (0)2 29 69218 - Nabila.Massrali@ec.europa.eu - @NabilaEUspox

Lauranne Devillé  +32 (0)460 758 775  - +32 (0)2 29 80833 - lauranne.deville@ec.europa.eu