The European Union (EU) has issued an urgent call for Israel to immediately halt the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The organization warned that the construction of new settlements and other unilateral actions are undermining the prospect of establishing an independent Palestinian state in the future, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement on Friday, an EU spokesperson urged Israel to cease all actions that threaten a two-state solution.

These include the legalization of settlement outposts, the seizure of Palestinian land, the demolition of homes, and forced evictions.

This development follows a recent decision by the Israeli security cabinet to approve an allocation of 1.3 billion shekels (approximately $427.8 million USD) for the establishment of 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, amidst ongoing violence in the region, reports indicate that several Palestinians, including children, have been injured in various incidents involving Israeli settlers and security forces.

It is against this backdrop that the EU has intensified its diplomatic pressure.