Singapore urges Israel to halt West Bank settlement expansion, says it violates international law

Singapore has called on the Israeli government to cease its plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, asserting that such actions contravene international law. In a statement, Singapore’s Foreign Ministry highlighted that the proposed construction of residential settlements in the East 1 (E1) area would exacerbate the fragmentation of the West Bank and diminish the chances of a viable two-state solution.

The ministry also expressed deep concern over the surge in settler violence targeting Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. A spokesperson for the ministry implored the Israeli government to take decisive steps to prevent such violence and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The ministry reiterated that a negotiated two-state solution, in line with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains the sole viable path to a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace.

Reports indicated that the Israeli government had issued a tender on August 18 for the construction of over 1,200 housing units as part of a project to enlarge settlements in the East 1 area.