After the US has now changed its attitude to Israel's settlements on the West Bank, the country faces strong criticism. They have been supporting the fact that settlements violate international law ever since then President Jimmy Carter stated it in 1978.

Criticism from the EU and Russia

The settlements are on occupied land. In a new statement, the EU has once again stated that the settlements are both illegal and hamper a peaceful two-state solution. The EU has long called on Israel to stop building on the occupied territory.

Russia, too, condemns the decision warning that this could lead to an extension of the conflict.

And Palestinian leaders call the settlements a threat to international peace.

- Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, not only violate international law but are also a war crime. It poses a serious threat to international peace and security, says Saeb Ereat, Palestinian chief negotiator.

UN: Does not change existing law

The critics are supported by the UN. As recently as December 2016, the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for Israel to cease settlements.

"A country's changed attitude on a matter does not change existing international law or the interpretation of it by the International Criminal Court and the Security Council," said UN Human Rights Spokesman Rupert Colville at a press conference in Geneva on Tuesday.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instead praised the decision and thanked the United States.

- I thank President Trump and Foreign Minister Pompeo. This is a great day for Israel, he says.