Belgian Foreign Minister condemns construction of new housing units in settlements in West Bank and E. Jerusalem – Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs statement/Non-UN document

Didier Reynders condemns the construction of new housing units in West Bank and East-Jerusalem settlements

date: 04 February 2015

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders condemns the Israeli authorities' decision of 30 January 2015 to launch tenders for the construction of 450 new units in the West Bank settlements of Kiryat Arba, Adam, Elkkana, Maale Adumim and Afei Monashe. The Minister also condemns the announcement of the construction of 93 new housing units in the settlement of Gilo, in the occupied part of Jerusalem.

Belgium recalls that these decisions may exacerbate the extremely tense situation on the ground. They also further undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. Like the European Union, Belgium recalls that these settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. Belgium therefore calls on Israel to reconsider these decisions and to end settlement activities in East Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank.

Belgium will not recognise any change to the 1967 borders, except those that would be agreed by both parties. This new development emphasises, once again, the urgent need of a resumption of negotiations in order to allow for the emergence of an independent, sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.

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