In the past days the Israeli authorities have again approved steps for the further expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. They have for instance issued tenders for some 1100 housing units in East Jerusalem and advanced plans for a good 600 homes in East Jerusalem and 1000 homes in various locations in the West Bank.

The German Government opposes all unilateral steps which jeopardise a two‑state solution, including settlement activity in contravention of international law and the associated demolition of Palestinian structures in Area C. In 2016, the Middle East Quartet called on the parties to take transformative measures to preserve the basis for a two‑state solution. The German Government will continue to work towards this end.