Norway joins criticism of Israel's settlement expansion

Norway on Thursday joined the international criticism of the Israeli government's approval of constructing new housing units in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.

"Such actions are incompatible with Israel's declared support for the two-state solution and wound again call into question (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu government's commitment to the peace process," Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende was quoted as saying in a press release.

"The construction of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory is illegal under international laws and a greater obstacle to two-state solution," Brende said.

"I hope Netanyahu did not take the unanimous criticism lightly, including from his closest friends in the international community," said Brende.

Netanyahu's office revealed on Wednesday that 300 units were approved to be constructed in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank and another 500 units in east Jerusalem.

Both UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union on Wednesday condemned Israel's plans and urged it to put an end to settlement expansion.

Some other countries, including the United States and France, have also voiced their concern over Israeli authorities' approval to build more homes in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.