International leaders condemn Israel's West Bank settlement expansion

A group of international leaders, including the prime ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, along with UK Mayor Andy Burnham, have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's plan to construct 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area of the West Bank. The leaders characterized the expansion as “unacceptable” and a violation of international law that threatens the viability of a two-state solution by potentially isolating East Jerusalem and splitting the West Bank.

The diplomatic condemnation follows reports of escalating tensions in the village of Qusra, south of Nablus. In the village, Israeli settlers have reportedly besieged the home of Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American from Ohio, for over a week. Ridi reported that settlers have trapped residents inside and cut off essential services such as water and electricity. While Ridi has sought assistance from the U.S. Embassy, he noted a lack of protection from the IDF during the siege.

The allied leaders warned that settlement expansion undermines Israel's international standing and urged businesses to avoid bidding on settlement tenders due to legal and reputational risks.