Seven nations — Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom — issued a joint statement on Friday condemning Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning the moves were undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
The leaders said settler violence in the West Bank had reached “unprecedented levels” in recent months and reiterated that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. They warned that proposed construction in the E1 area would effectively split the West Bank in two and described the plan as a “serious breach of international law.”
The statement urged businesses not to participate in settlement-related construction projects, citing potential legal and reputational exposure. The seven governments called on Israel to halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, investigate allegations against Israeli forces, and ease financial restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority.
They reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.
The joint declaration comes amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing fallout from the Iran conflict, with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry having previously expressed grave concern over the broader West Asia crisis and over the UAE’s Barakah nuclear facility being targeted. UN human rights officials have also warned Israel to prevent further loss of civilian life in Gaza over recent weeks, while Sri Lankan citizens caught up in the regional flashpoint, including aid worker Sameera Mehboobdeen, were deported earlier this week after the Israeli Navy intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla.
Israel has not formally responded to the latest joint statement.
