UK condemns expansion of Israeli settlements

Commenting on the Government of Israel’s decision to advance plans for a further 4,000 East Jerusalem settlement housing units, Foreign Secretary William Hague said today: \"I condemn yesterday’s news that the Government of Israel is advancing plans for over 4,000 more East Jerusalem settlement housing units.  This comes a week after the approval of over 900 housing units in Har Homa. I am concerned that Israel has ignored the international community’s calls for an end to this settlement action. At a time when all parties should be striving to return to talks, this announcement undermines trust and  – by illegally changing the situation on the ground – threatens the two state solution for which we are working hard.  It is deeply disappointing.”