Ex‑EU Officials Press Brussels on New West Bank Settlements

Middle East outlets and commentators describe Israel’s settlement drive as an ongoing annexation of occupied Palestinian land, carried out with state backing and settler violence. They blame the Israeli government and settlers for a sharp rise in attacks and displacement of Palestinians, and say Western governments have not matched their words with action. Many expect stronger calls for sanctions or recognition of Palestinian rights if the EU and US continue to limit their response to statements.

• •Regional commentators say Israel is using settlement expansion and settler violence to annex large parts of the West Bank.
• •Middle East reports highlight that Palestinian communities face home demolitions, land confiscation and restricted movement linked to settlements.
• •Commentators argue that EU states criticise settlements but continue trade and security cooperation with Israel.
• •Regional coverage notes that Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries are pressing the UN to act against annexation.
• •Middle East outlets report that Israel has condemned European criticism of settler violence as unfair and politically motivated.