The European Union strongly condemned the statements made by the extremist Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir regarding the freedom of movement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The European Union affirmed, in a statement, today, Friday, that relations between the European Union and Israel "must be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, and that all human beings are equal and must be treated in the same way."

It added  "The values of democracy and respect for human rights are at the heart of the partnership between the European Union and Israel, including with regard to citizens living under occupation in the Palestinian territories".

It stated that the settlements are illegal under international law, and constitutes an obstacle to peace and threatens to render the two-state solution unviable. 

It reaffirmed its strong opposition to the Israeli settlement policy and the actions taken in this context, including movement and access restrictions.

The European Union called on Israel to "allow a tangible improvement in the freedom of movement and access of the Palestinians, allow the acceleration of Palestinian construction, allow economic and social development in Area C and stop disturbing the living conditions of the Palestinians there."