The European Union emphasized that Israel’s settlement policy is illegal under international law, adding that unilateral actions, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes will only escalate an already tense environment and lead to further violence and human suffering. The representative of the European Union said that the Israeli authorities should immediately cease these activities and provide adequate permits for the legal construction and development of Palestinian communities. Furthermore, he reemphasized the European Union’s continued commitment to achieving a two-state solution — based on parameters set out in the Council Conclusions of July 2014. These parameters meet Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, as well as help put an end to the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues in order to end the conflict. The European Union affirmed that it is strongly opposed to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution and urged both sides to demonstrate a genuine commitment to a two-state solution to rebuild trust and create a path back to meaningful negotiations. For further details, click here