Norway deplores Israeli plans to build new housing units
Historical archive
Published under: Stoltenberg's 2nd Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press release | Date: 22/12/2011
“I deeply deplore the Israeli decision to build 1000 new housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The building of settlements on occupied territory is a violation of international law and further undermines the Quartet’s efforts to restart peace negotiations,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“I deeply deplore the Israeli decision to build 1000 new housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The building of settlements on occupied territory is a violation of international law and further undermines the Quartet’s efforts to restart peace negotiations,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Israel has accelerated settlement building in East Jerusalem and the West Bank in recent weeks. At the same time there have been reports of growing violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including attacks on mosques.
The Foreign Minister shares the concern expressed by the European members of the Security Council (the UK, France, Germany and Portugal) in a joint statement on Tuesday.
“I urge Israel to stop the building plans and take steps to prevent extremist Israeli settlers from attacking Palestinians and mosques,” said Mr Støre.