We unequivocally condemn the construction approval that has been issued for additional housing units in the West Bank, and we call on the Israeli Government to immediately rescind its respective decisions. Israel’s policy of building settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is a grave violation of applicable international law and undermines all endeavours with regard to a two-state solution.

We condemn all forms of terrorist violence in the strongest possible terms. However, terrorism cannot be used as justification to advance illegal construction activities in the occupied West Bank. The expansion of settlements poses a threat to peace and security for all people throughout the region.