Press release

Minister for the Middle East statement on settlement units in the West Bank

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood statement on the Israeli Government’s announcement to build 3,000 settlement units in the West Bank.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood
• Published: 1 February 2017

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said:

The announcement of further settlement units in the West Bank is part of a growing trend which we condemn. We have consistently been clear that settlements are illegal under international law, and not conducive to peace. This spike in settlement activity undermines trust and makes a two state solution – with an Israel that is safe from terrorism and a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign - much harder to achieve.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood on Twitter @Tobias_Ellwood
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 1 February 2017