Some Western leaders warn Israel against West Bank settlement expansion

Leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands on Friday warned Israel against further settlement expansion in the West Bank, saying such moves undermine stability and prospects for a two-state solution.

In a joint statement published by the British Prime Minister's Office, the leaders said the situation in the West Bank had "deteriorated significantly," with settler violence at "unprecedented levels."

They said Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, adding that construction in the E1 area would divide the West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law.

The leaders urged businesses not to bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments, citing legal and reputation risks.

The statement reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

Loading of propellant into the Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket for China's upcoming Shenzhou-23 crewed mission began on Saturday at the launch site of northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Fuel loading is currently underway and is expected to be completed at 13:00.

Subsequently, oxidizer filling will follow, with all loading operations expected to conclude at 17:00.

The Shenzhou-23 spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 23:08 Sunday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Saturday.

Shenzhou-23 is the seventh crewed mission during the application and development stage of China's space station, and the 40th flight mission of the country's manned space program.