Canada condemns Israel's approval of 19 new West Bank settlements

Canada has issued a firm condemnation of Israel's decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a statement, the Canadian government said the continued expansion is illegal under international law and jeopardizes the prospects for a two-state solution.

Settlement Expansion Undermines Peace Plan

The government warned that this move risks the 20-point Peace Plan advanced by the US administration and undermines broader peace efforts. The Israeli security cabinet's approval brings the total number of new settlements authorized in recent years to 69, according to Israeli figures. This development follows a landmark opinion last July by the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel's occupation illegal and called for the evacuation of all West Bank settlements.

Calls for Further Action from Advocacy Groups

While welcoming Canada's condemnation, the National Council of Canadian Muslims urged the government to take stronger measures, including a ban on all products made in illegal settlements. Palestinian figures note that since October 2023, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers, with thousands more injured and detained.