UN chief criticises Israel's approval of constructing 300 housing units in West Bank

 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday condemned the announcement of Israel's approval of constructing 300 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El.

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, also condemned the Israeli announcement of planning and construction of nearly 500 housing units in a number of settlements in East Jerusalem.

Ban "reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law, an impediment to peace, and cannot be reconciled with the government of Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution," said the statement.

The two-state solution means a secure Israel to live in peace with an independent State ofPalestine.

"The secretary-general urges the government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement," the statement said.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war and has controlled it ever since.

The settlements are built on lands the Palestinians see as their future state, and are considered illegal by the international community.

Settlement construction has been a stumbling block for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The international community, including the United States, has repeatedly called on Israel to halt settlement activities so as to help resume the long- stalled talks.