On Wednesday, Canada joined a coalition of thirteen other states in issuing a joint condemnation of Israel’s decision to approve nineteen new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Broad diplomatic backing
The statement was co‑signed by Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee and her thirteen counterparts, representing a mix of European Union members, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada. The EU signatories included Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.
In the release, the ministers said the actions of the Israeli security cabinet “violate international law but also risk fuelling instability”. They described the settlement move as “part of a wider intensification” of settlement policy that could undermine the Gaza peace plan and long‑term peace and security across the region.
Canada has repeatedly opposed settlement expansion and the statement reaffirms Ottawa’s long‑standing support for a two‑state solution. The coalition called on Israel to reverse the decision and halt any further settlement growth.
“We are resolute in our support of Palestinians' right of self‑determination”, the ministers added, underscoring their collective stance.
These remarks were first reported by the original wire report.