France expresses its deep concern over worsening tensions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
France utterly condemns all attacks targeting civilians, and particularly the terrorist acts on June 20 that killed four Israeli civilians.
France equally condemns settler violence against civilians and their property. This violence is unacceptable and must stop. France calls on the Israeli authorities to bring its perpetrators to justice, as they must be held accountable for their actions by the appropriate judicial authorities.
The settlements are illegal under international law. They fuel tensions on the ground and are a major obstacle to peace.
By approving new construction projects in the Occupied Territories, the Israeli government is undermining the possibility of establishing a future viable and contiguous Palestinian state and is jeopardizing the viability of the two-state solution, which remains the only guarantee of a lasting peace and has the support of the international community.
That is why France calls on the Israeli government to revoke its decision to accelerate the process for authorizing the construction of homes in the settlements and to renounce its intention to approve plans to build nearly 5,000 new housing units in several West Bank settlements.
France calls on Israel to abide by the commitments it made in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheik in February and March.
Originally published at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/israel-palestinian-territories/news/2023/article/israel-palestinian-territories-june-26-2023
