As Israel announced 1500 additional settlements to be built in Eastern Jerusalem, Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt has exploded in disappointment: “I am deeply disappointed with Israel’s announcement on 19 May to build up to 1500 settlement units in the East Jerusalem settlements of Har Homa and Pisgat Zeev. This decision came on the same day as President Obama’s important speech on the Middle East, which set out a clear path towards peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.
According to Burt settlement activity is a recognised obstacle to the path towards peace adding it is illegal under international law and should stop.
Minister Burt said: “The UK continues to call on Israel to cease unhelpful and destabilising activity and instead help build the conditions that allow meaningful negotiations to resume.”