BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union says continuing Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories and ongoing evictions and demolition of Palestinian homes threaten to make a two-state solution impossible.
Foreign ministers of the 27-nation bloc emphasized on Monday that "settlements remain illegal under international law." They reiterated that the EU would not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem.
Ministers condemned settler violence and deliberate provocations against Palestinian civilians. They urged the government of Israel to bring the perpetrators to justice and to comply with its obligations under international law.
They also said they were "appalled" by recurring rocket attacks from Gaza and strongly condemned them.
Ministers said ongoing changes across the Arab world make progress on the Mideast peace process all the more urgent.
