News - Middle East: The European Union has deplored the Israeli regime’s plans for the construction of nearly 4,500 new illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank, calling on Tel Aviv to reverse the decision.

The remarks were delivered by Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on behalf of current and former European Union Members of the Security Council, France, Ireland, and Estonia, joined by Albania, at a UN Security Council session in New York on Thursday.

The joint statement stressed that the illegal settler units “would constitute an additional obstacle to the [so-called] two-state solution,” and “are in clear violation of international law and stand in the way of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace” between the two sides.

The statement further said the decision, in addition to the retroactive approval of three illegal outposts and demolitions and evictions that affect the Palestinian populations in East Jerusalem (al-Quds] and Area C, directly threatens the possibility of a future Palestinian state.”

The EU members called upon Israeli authorities “not to proceed with any planned demolitions or evictions, particularly in the Masafer Yatta area” which they said could result in the forced eviction of more than 1,200 Palestinian civilians.

The statement further called for “a thorough and independent investigation” to clarify all the aspects of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin, and to bring those responsible for her murder to justice.

“We are deeply shocked by the violence perpetrated by the Israeli police toward mourners in her funeral,” the statement read.

The EU members renewed the call for respecting the status quo at the holy places in al-Quds, stressing the importance of Jordan’s guardianship and specific role in this regard.

“The deteriorating situation again highlights the need to restore a political horizon for a credible and viable peace process,” the statement noted further.