Israeli Settlements: UK Government Criticises 'Provocative' Move To Construct New Homes In Jerusalem

British Minister Critical Of 'Provocative' Israeli Decision To Build New Settlements

Israel has been accused by the UK of hampering peace efforts with another "provocative and deeply counter-productive" step after authorities approved construction in sensitive areas of Jerusalem.

Around 130 homes will be built in the Gilo neighbourhood and a new tourism centre in the part of the city known as Silwan under plans given the green light this week.

Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said: "I condemn the decision by the Jerusalem local planning and building committee to build additional structures.

"This is another provocative and deeply counter-productive step, the latest in a series by the Israeli authorities.

"Continued systematic settlement construction makes it ever harder to achieve the common goal of international efforts: a contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side with a secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital."