Fourteen countries including the UK, France and Germany condemned Israel for building new Jewish settlements

Fourteen countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued a joint statement on Wednesday (December 24th), condemning the Israeli government's recent approval of the construction of new Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

The joint statement was released by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The statement said that Germany, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom unanimously condemned Israel's decision to build 19 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank it occupied, and reaffirmed their opposition to any form of annexation and colonization policy.

The statement emphasized that this unilateral action by Israel violates international law and may exacerbate regional unrest.

Israeli Finance Minister Mott Rih said in a statement on Sunday (21st) that the Israeli cabinet has approved a proposal to build 19 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Smotterich said that this proposal was jointly put forward by him and Defense Minister Katz. The government has planned 69 Jewish settlements within three years, a record "unprecedented". This move will consolidate Israel's control over the West Bank and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The joint statement released by France on Wednesday called on Israel to revoke this decision, abide by the UN Security Council resolutions and stop the expansion of settlements.

The statement emphasized support for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people and the pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the "two-state solution".

Israeli Foreign Minister Sarr posted on X platform on Wednesday to refute the joint statement, saying that the decision was aimed at helping to address the security threats facing Israel. Foreign governments should not restrict the right of Jews to reside on Israeli land. Any such appeal is morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews.