The US condemned Israel’s settlement plans in Jerusalem on Monday deeming them “illegitimate” , reports Aljazeera and Haaretz.
Opposing Israel’s announcement of new settlement plans on Monday, a US State Department spokesperson said,
“It is unfortunate that after the unequivocal and unanimous position last week of the international community, opposing construction in East Jerusalem, at this sensitive time the Israeli authorities chose to move forward. We continue to engage at the highest level with the Israeli government to make our position absolutely clear, that we view settlement activity as illegitimate and that we unequivocally oppose unilateral steps that prejudge the future of Jerusalem.”
Jen Psaki added that Israel’s latest announcement “flies in the face of Israel’s statements about commitment to the two-state solution.”
Palestine’s chief negotiator urged for concrete international action to stop further Israeli settlements.
“The international community must realise that statements alone will not stop Israeli settlements, protect the Palestinian people, or save the two state-solution. The international community has the responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and signed agreements, including its dramatic escalation of violations against our people in occupied East Jerusalem through settlement construction, forced displacement, and denial of our right to worship. The international community must support our right to access international treaties and organizations, including the Rome Statute.” said Saeb Erekat.
Erekat added that Israel’s actions a “slap in the face to (US) Secretary (of State John) Kerry, to the international community, to the Palestinian people and to peace.”
Opposing Israel’s announcement of new settlement plans on Monday, a US State Department spokesperson said,
“It is unfortunate that after the unequivocal and unanimous position last week of the international community, opposing construction in East Jerusalem, at this sensitive time the Israeli authorities chose to move forward. We continue to engage at the highest level with the Israeli government to make our position absolutely clear, that we view settlement activity as illegitimate and that we unequivocally oppose unilateral steps that prejudge the future of Jerusalem.”
Jen Psaki added that Israel’s latest announcement “flies in the face of Israel’s statements about commitment to the two-state solution.”
Palestine’s chief negotiator urged for concrete international action to stop further Israeli settlements.
“The international community must realise that statements alone will not stop Israeli settlements, protect the Palestinian people, or save the two state-solution. The international community has the responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and signed agreements, including its dramatic escalation of violations against our people in occupied East Jerusalem through settlement construction, forced displacement, and denial of our right to worship. The international community must support our right to access international treaties and organizations, including the Rome Statute.” said Saeb Erekat.
Erekat added that Israel’s actions a “slap in the face to (US) Secretary (of State John) Kerry, to the international community, to the Palestinian people and to peace.”