LONDON
The U.K.'s Foreign Secretary William Hague has condemned Israeli steps towards settlement expansion after it emerged that Israel intends to create a new settlement in Hebron.
Commenting on steps taken by the Israeli government to begin the authorization of an illegal outpost and to allow settlers to regain ownership of a building in Hebron, Hague said, “The U.K. condemns the decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to change the status of a significant amount of land around the illegal settler outpost of Netiv Ha’avot and to create a new settlement in Hebron. Settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace. These decisions detract from ongoing efforts to deliver a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The only path to peace is through negotiations.”
Following the takeover of the building in Hebron, an Israeli man was shot and killed whist in his car near the city.
In the divided city of Hebron, there are currently 850 settlers protected by the Israeli military.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
