Europe sees protests and political moves over Gaza and West Bank
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an end to civilian casualties, bombings and food shortages.
The rally, organised by several civil society groups, featured banners demanding an end to the violence and expressing solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.
Swedish activist Joakim Andersson said he attends the weekly demonstrations to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing hope that growing public access to information will increase international support for Palestinians.
Belgium approves import ban
Belgium's federal government has approved an import ban on goods originating from the occupied Palestinian territories as part of a broader package of measures linked to Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
The government said details of how the ban will be implemented are still being finalised.
EU criticises settlement expansion
The European Union has also voiced concern over Israel's decision to allocate additional funding for settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement, the EU described the move as a "worrying development" that could further undermine the viability of a two-state solution. The bloc also reiterated that it does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over territories occupied since 1967 and called on Israel to halt settlement expansion, land appropriations, demolitions and other unilateral measures.
The UN considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be illegal under international law, a position rejected by Israel.
Source:AA
