We condemn Israel's decision to construct new illegal settlement units in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

It is not possible to accept Israel’s settlement activities, which clearly constitute a violation of the international law and are detrimental to the two-state peace perspective.

At a time when an important step has been taken with the establishment of a national unity government in Palestine towards the achievement of Palestinian unity, which is essential for reaching a just and viable peace in the region, Israel's persistence in developing new settlements on the Palestinian territory raises questions as to its sincerity on achieving a just and lasting peace.

Israel must at once put an end to this practice which it continues insistently despite all the warnings from the international community.