We condemn the decisions announced by the Israeli authorities yesterday (12 February) regarding the legalization of nine outposts located in the West Bank, considered illegal even under Israeli law, and expansion of illegal settlements.

These unilateral steps further escalate the rising tension in the region recently as a result of the extremely concerning developments and increasing civilian casualties in the West Bank while also severely damaging the ground for a lasting peace.

We call on Israel to end its actions which may trigger a new spiral of violence in the region and contravene international law and the established UN parameters.