An-Najah News - Ramallah - Current and incoming European Union Members (Germany, Belgium France, Estonia, Ireland) called on Israel to abandon its plans to annex occupied Palestinian territory.

"We share the grave concerns expressed by the Secretary General in his latest report on the stated intention of the Government of Israel to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

We strongly echo his call on Israel to abandon its annexation plans," said the states in a joint statement delivered by Germany at the UNSC virtual meeting on the Middle East.

"We also share the Secretary General’s assessment that if any Israeli annexation of the Occupied West Bank – however big or small - is implemented.

any annexation plans constitute a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter, as well as the UN Security Council resolutions.

 It would severely undermine the renewal of negotiations, the possibility to reach a two-State solution acceptable to both parties, and the prospect of a viable Palestinian State. 

Any such unilateral step would also weaken efforts to advance regional peace and our broader efforts to maintain international peace and security.