Israel Plan for New Settlements in E. Jerusalem Undermines 2-State Solution

The United Nations is concerned about Israel’s announcement of plans to build new settlements in East Jerusalem and such a move would represent another drawback for implementing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, UN Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing on Tuesday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Dujarric also expressed concern about the reports that Jerusalem District Planning Committee intends to discuss plans for additional units in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, which may lead to eviction of Palestinian residents.

"The United Nations has seen the reports about the advancement of plans for a large number of housing units in settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, which is alarming," Dujarric stated. "Once again, we condemn all unilateral actions that threaten peace and undermine the two-state solution."

Earlier in July, Israel decided to issue permits for construction of 1,600 new settlement units in East Jerusalem, prompting criticism among some members of the international community.

The United Nations and the European Union have criticized Israel for expanding settlements in what they have termed are occupied territories.

On December 2016, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution declaring all Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank illegal.