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Minister for the Middle East condemns expansion of illegal Israeli settlement

Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt comments on the Israeli Interior Ministry’s announcement that over 900 housing units will be constructed in East Jerusalem.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Alistair Burt
• Published: 5 August 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt, today said:

“I condemn yesterday’s announcement by the Government of Israel to approve the construction of over 900 housing units which will expand significantly the illegal Settlement of Har Homa in East Jerusalem. Unilateral actions such as this undermine international efforts to build lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians and make the two-state solution harder to achieve. At a time when Israel’s friends are working to restart negotiations, this decision is deeply concerning.”

Published 5 August 2011