We are concerned by Israel’s announcement that nearly 700 settlement units will be constructed in East Jerusalem.

The decision to enlarge the settlements, which is a clear violation of the international law, is a step that will impede the efforts for re-launching the peace talks and create mistrust between the parties. Refraining from unilateral steps regarding such issues that will be taken up in the final status negotiations is of particular importance.

We invite Israel to review this decision and to refrain from such actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.