Japan regrets over Jewish construction in East Jerusalem

Japan on Tuesday expressed regret over Israel's recent approval for the construction of 797 new housing units in East Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to review the plan for the sake of the progress of the peace process. "The Israeli government continues to proceed with its plan for settlement construction at a time when the international community is making utmost efforts to resume direct negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Yutaka Yokoi said in a statement. "This clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community to resume negotiations for peace," said Yokoi. "Settlement activities are a violation of international law, and Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to fully freeze settlement activities," he said, noting that Japan does not recognize any act that prejudges the final status of the territories in the pre-1967 borders. According to media reports, Israel's Interior Ministry on Thursday gave approval to a new project with 797 housing units for Jewish people in Gilo in East Jerusalem. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community.