FCO Minister comments on Israeli plans to build settlement units

28 Jul 2015 02:04 PM

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood expresses concern about the latest development, underlines the UK’s position on Israeli settlements and calls on the Israeli Government to refrain from such steps.

Mr Ellwood said:

The UK is deeply concerned by reports that planning for 1,065 settlement units is being advanced, including possible retrospective approval of buildings built without permits or on private Palestinian land. The UK’s position on Israeli settlements is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. We call on the Israeli Government to discard these plans and refrain from such steps. Every settlement announcement has a negative impact on prospects for peace and a negotiated solution.

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