Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Israeli settlements and the situation in the West Bank

- I fear that the building of illegal settlements in the West Bank now will accelerate further. This is entirely unacceptable. The international community stands united in its condemnation of the Israeli settlements. I strongly urge the Israeli authorities to halt and reverse settlement activity on occupied Palestinian land, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

It is expected that the government also will approve more than 4,000 new housing units in the settlements within a short time. Furthermore, the Israeli Parliament Knesset has recently made arrangements for Israeli settlers to return to several settlement outposts deep inside the West Bank.

- Recent statements and decisions by the Israeli government contribute to blurring the administrative distinction between Israel and occupied Palestinian territory. The increase in settlements is damaging for the possibility of resuming negotiations on a two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state. This policy is pulling more and more in the direction of something that resembles a one-state reality, says the Foreign Minister.

The security situation in the West Bank continues to be serious, with ongoing Israeli military operations and an alarmingly high number of Palestinian deaths. On June 19, six Palestinians, including a child, were killed in Jenin during a highly dramatic military operation that included the use of a helicopter. Over 90 Palestinians and 7 Israeli soldiers were injured. On June 20, four Israelis were killed and another four wounded in a shooting attack south of Nablus.

- I am deeply troubled by the violence in the West Bank. I condemn all attacks on civilians. It is heartbreaking when children are affected, says the Foreign Minister.