International Shia News Agency

Germany condemns Israel settlement plans

SHAFAQNA - Germany criticized Israel’s approval of a plan to construct over 1,000 settlements in occupied West Bank, recognizing such an action as a threat to the two-state solution.

“The construction of settlements in occupied territories violates international law. This also hinders efforts to revive the peace process and threatens the basis of a two-state solution,” German Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

According to Peace Now, Israeli settlement watchdog group, authorities approved 1,065 housing units on the occupied territories last week.

German Foreign Ministry expressed “grave concern” and urged Israeli authorities to abstain from any unilateral moves that can threaten peace efforts.

“Precisely now both sides are urgently called to build trust and refrain from unilateral and provocative actions. We warn that such steps would hamper chances for the resumption of peace negotiations,” the statement said.

Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators grounded to a halt a year ago over Israel’s refusal to release a group of Palestinian prisoners despite earlier pledges to do so.

 

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