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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the building of over 1900 housing units in the West Bank
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (8 January) on the building of over 1900 housing units in the West Bank:
We have noted with great concern the Israeli authorities’ decisions to further expand settlements in the West Bank. The German Government calls on those involved to refrain from taking any steps that would further hinder a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. Like its partners in the European Union, the German Government regards the building of settlements in the Palestinian territories as illegal under international law and as a major obstacle to the possibility of a two-state solution to be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians.
Background information
On 5 and 6 January 2020, the Higher Planning Council of the Civil Administration approved plans to build over 1900 housing units in the West Bank. The Planning Council’s decision was announced this week.