UK Minister Condemns Israel’s Settlement Expansion Announcement

London, MINA — British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt issued a statement on thursday condemning Israeli authorities’ recent plans to construct over 2,100 new settlement units across the West Bank, WAFA reported.

“Yesterday’s announcement of plans to construct over 1,000 units on the West Bank, and last week’s tendering for 1,100 more, continues policies that are rightly condemned internationallly. The UK echoes this condemnation today.”

The minister stressed that settlements are illegal under international law and remain one of the obstacles to a viable two state solution.

“I call on Israel to halt such counterproductive action, and for all parties to commit to further efforts to de-escalate current tensions and create the right environment for a just and lasting peace,” the statement concluded.    .(T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)