New Zealand has joined 11 international partners and the European Union in issuing a joint statement condemning the worsening situation in the West Bank and warning against further Israeli settlement expansion.
The statement, released alongside leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium, said settler violence had reached “unprecedented levels” in recent months and accused the Israeli Government of undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
The countries said Israeli policies and practices were contributing to “a further entrenchment of Israeli control” in the occupied territory.
The joint statement specifically criticised proposed development in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, saying the project would “divide the West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law”.
“International law is clear: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Construction projects in the E1 area would be no exception,” the statement said.
The leaders also warned companies against becoming involved in settlement developments.
“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments,” the statement said. “They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of participating in settlement construction including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.”
The coalition called on the Israeli Government to halt settlement expansion, investigate allegations involving Israeli forces, and ensure accountability for settler violence.
The statement also urged Israel to respect Jordan’s custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites and to remove financial restrictions affecting the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian economy.
The countries said they strongly opposed calls for annexation and the “forcible displacement of the Palestinian population”, including comments made by some members of the Israeli Government.
The signatories reaffirmed support for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” based on a negotiated two-state solution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They said the goal remained “two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.”
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) May 23, 2026
It would seem that Satanyahu is working against jews.
Everybody despises israhell by now.
Except Winston and his National cabal.
Jews occupied Isreal before Muslims existed
oh gawd … the land of possums telling the land surrounded by terrorist what to do