Statement on Israeli settlements
News story | Date: 26/10/2021 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On October 24, Israeli authorities announced tenders for the construction of more than 1,300 housing units in occupied Palestinian territory, including in Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem.
'I am deeply concerned about plans for additional expansions of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. I urge the Israeli authorities to reverse the decision and to stop settlement activities in occupied areas', says Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
Norway's position on the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, remains firm. Israeli settlement activity on occupied land is illegal under international law. This has been affirmed in numerous resolutions from the UN Security Council, most recently in resolution 2334 (2016).
'The settlements undermine the vision of a negotiated two-state solution and constitute an obstacle to peace. The settlement activity also weakens Israel's ability to build better relations with countries in and outside the region', says the Foreign Minister.