Belgium says West Bank expansion violates international law after Israel approves 19 new settlements

BRUSSELS

Belgium on Monday reiterated that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank constitute infringements of international law, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot's office told Anadolu, following the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements.

"Belgium's position is very clear on this matter and stays identical. Settlements in the occupied West Bank constitute infringements of international law," the office said.

On Sunday, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Cabinet approved a proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69.

Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed at least 1,102 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, injured nearly 11,000 and detained around 21,000 since October 2023, according to Palestinian figures.

In a landmark opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

BRUSSELS

"Belgium's position is very clear on this matter and stays identical. Settlements in the occupied West Bank constitute infringements of international law," the office said.