The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports today that Israeli authorities have issued tenders for the construction of over 1,400 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem. As the United Nations has reiterated on many occasions, the building of settlements on occupied territory is illegal under international law.

The Secretary-General recalls his statement of 1 May, urging both parties to exercise prudence and to avoid taking unilateral actions on the ground that would further diminish the chances of reaching a negotiated final peace agreement. The Secretary-General calls on Israel to heed the calls of the international community to freeze settlement activity and abide by its commitments under international law and the Road Map.