Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan FMs condemn Israel settlement expansion, evictions

The foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan on Saturday condemned Israeli settlement expansion and evictions in the occupied Palestinian territories after a meeting in Munich.

The foreign ministers convened in the German city, where the Munich Security Conference brought together the world's top diplomatic and security officials.

Saturday's meeting between the officials was their fourth since February 2020, taking place "with a view to advancing the Middle East Peace Process towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace on the basis of the Two-State Solution", a joint statement from the ministers read.

The ministers asked that the two parties "refrain from all unilateral measures... in particular the building and expansion of settlements, the confiscation of land and the eviction of Palestinians from their homes, including in East Jerusalem, as well as from any acts of violence and incitement".

"In this context, we stress that the rights of the residents of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods with regard to their homes must be respected."

Tensions have risen in occupied East Jerusalem over the Israeli authorities' expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes, particularly in the city's Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.

Focus has centred on the 12-member Salem family, who are set to be expelled from their home next month.

More than 200 Palestinian families are currently at risk of expulsion from their homes in East Jerusalem, the UN said earlier this week.

The four foreign ministers said the evictions and settlement expansions "undermine the Two-State Solution and the prospects of a just and lasting peace".

The two-state solution involves the establishment of an independent Palestinian state according to 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The talks have been at a standstill for years.

Egypt and Jordan have both had full diplomatic relations with Israel for decades.

The two Arab countries have in recent months stepped up efforts to mediate between Israel and Palestinian factions.