EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called on Israel to reconsider its plans on building thousands of residential units in East Jerusalem, stressing that such actions are illegal under international law, Eurasia Diary reports citing Sputnik.
On Friday, the EU foreign policy chief held a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki in Brussels, discussing the US Middle East peace plan. Borrell confirmed the EU’s continued commitment to a negotiated two-state solution.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that 2,200 housing units would be built in the Har Homa area of East Jerusalem. More settlements would also be built in the Givat Hamatos neighborhood and other areas, according to Netanyahu.
Last month, US President Donald Trump presented his Middle East peace plan that envisioned Israel annexing the settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, and maintaining Jerusalem as its undivided capital. The plan was rejected by Palestinian leaders.
Borrell has repeatedly criticized Washington’s new settlement proposal saying that it runs contrary to international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
