Hague dismayed by settlement expansion

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, expressed his disappointment over the expansion of the Israeli settlement, following the announcement by the Israeli Government of the creation of a new settlement at Givat Hamatos, According to the FCO press release, which “Arabstoday” obtained a copy of, William Hague said: “I am dismayed by the Israeli announcement on 14 October of a new settlement at Givat Hamatos. This provocative step, which further encloses East Jerusalem, is particularly disappointing given the international condemnation of the expansion of the Mordot Gilo settlement just a few weeks ago. Settlements are not only illegal under international law, but also undermine the possibility of a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and those working for a sustainable peace. I call again for these announcements to be revoked. Together with our EU and other partners we will make very clear to the Israeli government the strength of our concern.”