EU condemns Israeli occupation measures to tighten control over cccupied West Bank

BRUSSELS, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- The European Union condemned new measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities to tighten control over the occupied West Bank, warning that the steps pave the way for further settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, EU spokesperson Anouar El-Anouni said the bloc "condemns the recent decisions taken by the Israeli security cabinet to expand Israeli control in the West Bank." El-Anouni described the measures as "another step in the wrong direction," stressing that such actions undermine prospects for peace and violate international law.
The remarks came a day after Israel's political-security cabinet approved a series of decisions aimed at altering the legal and civil reality in the occupied West Bank and deepening Israeli control over the territory.
The European Union has repeatedly reaffirmed its opposition to settlement activity and unilateral measures, maintaining that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is occupied territory and that settlements are illegal under international law. (end) arn.aa