​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

The European Commission said Thursday that any concrete steps toward the annexation of the occupied West Bank would constitute a violation of international law.

That was after the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of a resolution urging the government to move forward with annexation plans.

Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni reiterated that the EU does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian territories that have been occupied since 1967, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

“Annexation is illegal under international law. Any concrete steps taken in that direction would be considered a breach of international law,” he said at a news conference in Brussels.

“We are firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution, and we reiterate that there is no alternative to this,” he added.

Turning to the Gaza Strip, El Anouni stressed that civilians have suffered “for far too long” and urged an end to their suffering.

He noted that the EU had circulated an internal update to member states on Israel’s compliance with the agreement reached July 10 to improve conditions in Gaza.

"The first feedback that we got on the Israeli commitment to improve humanitarian access to Gaza did provide a mixed picture. Indeed, there are more trucks entering Gaza, but distribution is not at stake, and this is why we will keep working to improve the humanitarian situation, keeping in mind these options that are on the table," he said.

El Anouni added that new crossings and routes had been opened and fuel supply had improved, but “the situation remains dire” and “clearly, much more needs to be done.”

Regarding the EU’s representation at an upcoming UN conference in New York on a two-state solution, the spokesperson said further information would be provided in due course.

The bloc also reiterated its support for the Global Alliance initiative to implement a two-state solution as part of broader international efforts to resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.​​​​​​​