According to international law, in particular UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal.
Among all European Union countries, only one does not support the introduction of sanctions against the Hamas group and the violent Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the West Bank. This information was announced by a senior EU official.
“While some Israeli ministers are already under sanctions from partner countries, the EU once again proved unable to adopt even a mild decision – solely due to the irrational veto of one country. If this issue is not resolved at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, it will be referred to the European Council for consideration.”
The European Council summit is scheduled for June 26-27. The issue of reviewing the association agreement between the EU and Israel became significant during the council meeting, sparking lively debate among member state representatives. After Kaja Kallas decided to conduct an evaluation of the agreement, most countries insisted on receiving a written version from the European External Action Service (EEAS). In response, the EEAS promised to provide the document by Friday.
The next step will be the discussion by the EU Foreign Affairs Council of the evaluation of the agreement with Israel, which will be prepared by the EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.
“Next, the European Council will take this evaluation into account and call on the Foreign Affairs Council to take the necessary measures. And only in July will the Council return to this issue – not to assess the situation again, but to adopt appropriate measures based on this evaluation.”
On May 29, it became known that the Israeli government approved the construction of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This is the largest expansion in decades, violating international law. The international community, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, condemned this decision and threatened sanctions. London suspended negotiations on a free trade agreement, and the European Union is reviewing its association agreement with Israel.
According to international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal. The International Court of Justice confirmed this illegality in 2024 and called on Israel to end the occupation and withdraw all settlers.
On October 7, 2023, the Hamas group launched an attack on Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, capturing several settlements in the border area and taking dozens of people hostage. In response, Israel launched a counterterrorism operation. The military actions in the Palestinian enclave caused a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of casualties. Israel accuses Hamas of posing a threat to the country.
On January 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on January 19, 2025. The agreement consists of three stages, the first of which involves a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, and the release of some hostages. On March 18, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Security Forces announced the resumption of fire in the Gaza Strip.
On May 17, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave aimed at eliminating Hamas and freeing hostages. Palestine reported 146 fatalities. Fighting continues.
On May 30, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a 60-day ceasefire agreement.
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