France condemned in a statement the announcements by Israeli authorities regarding the construction of 3,401 housing units in the E1 zone, in East Jerusalem.
“This area is of strategic importance to the two-state solution and the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state,” said a statement by the French Foreign Ministry. “Its expansion directly undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state, as the European Union has reiterated on several occasions.”
France urged the Israeli authorities “to reconsider these decisions and to refrain from any unilateral measures. All forms of settlement activity are illegal under international law and challenge 'the two-state solution' on the ground,” said the statement.
“France, together with several other European countries, expressed its deep concern to the Israeli authorities with regard to these announcements, like those of February 20 concerning the settlements of Har Homa and Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem.
“France reaffirms that the two-state solution, with both states living in peace and security within secure, recognized borders and with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region. It stands ready to support any effort in this direction based on agreed international parameters and coming about through negotiations between the parties.”
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