SINGAPORE, Aug 25 — Singapore is urging the Israeli government to halt its settlement expansion plans in the West Bank, emphasising that they are illegal under international law.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said the proposed construction of residential settlements in the East 1 (E1) area would further fragment the West Bank and severely undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution.
“Singapore is also deeply concerned by the increase in acts of settler violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
“We call on the Israeli government to take firm action to prevent such violence and to hold those responsible accountable,” the ministry spokesperson said in a statement yesterday.
The ministry stressed that a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions remains the only viable pathway to a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.
Earlier, media reported that the Israeli government issued a tender on Aug 18 for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units as part of a project to expand settlements in the E1 area. — Bernama
