The Israeli military administration for the occupied Palestinian territories confirmed yesterday (15 March) that it had reclassified 234 hectares of land to the south of Jericho in the West Bank as state land. The German Government finds this decision regrettable and hopes that it will be reversed. It is to be feared that this step will pave the way for an expansion of Israeli settlements.

This decision sends the wrong message at the wrong time. The parties to the Middle East conflict are called upon, particularly at this time of heightened tensions, to take steps to de‑escalate the situation and find ways to bring about the urgently needed resumption of peace talks. Everyone in Israel and Palestine has the right to live in peace and security.

Only the clear political prospect of a lasting two‑state solution can secure that right for the long term.