Germany Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans

Berlin, 25 Rabi’ul Akhir 1438/24 January 2017 (MINA) – The German Foreign Ministry expressed on Monday deep concern over the recent Israeli decision to build 566 new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.

“We follow these developments with great concern and have repeatedly voiced our view: Building settlements in the occupied territories, also in east Jerusalem, contravenes international law and jeopardizes a lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians, which only a two-state solution can achieve,” the ministry said in a statement issued Monday, the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reported.

A day earlier, Israeli authorities approved building permits for 566 new homes in occupied Jerusalem.

The approvals came just two days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who had vowed during his election campaign to provide strong support for Israel’s settlement policy.(T/R04/RS05)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)