EU condemns Israeli moves to tighten control over West Bank

A spokesperson for the European Commission on Monday condemned Israel's recent measures aimed at tightening control over the West Bank and "paving the way" for expanding settlements, reported Xinhua.

Speaking at a press briefing, Anouar El Anouni said the European Union "condemns recent decisions by Israel's security cabinet to expand Israeli control in the West Bank," calling the move "another step in the wrong direction."

Israel's security cabinet approved decisions on Sunday to deepen Israel's control over the occupied West Bank and the expansion of the Jewish settlement there, according to local media.

Among the controversial decisions, the cabinet ordered the repeal of a Jordanian-era law that banned land sales to Jews and removed the requirement for special transaction permits, the reports said.