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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Moscow concerned with Israeli plans to build new settlements in West Bank

The Russian Foreign Ministry says the move is likely to hinder the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process

© EPA/PAUL ZINKEN

MOSCOW, July 29 /TASS/. Moscow is concerned with Israel’s plans to build new settlements in the West Bank, which is likely to hinder the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

"The Israeli authorities have recently advanced plans for the construction of (Israeli) settlements in the West Bank: 770 new homes in Gilo settlement and another 323 dwellings in various neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. Moscow is seriously concerned with these settlement plans," the ministry said.

The Russian side considers the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be illegitimate under international law.

"We would like to call your attention to the fact that the recently announced plans contradict the provisions of a report prepared by the Middle East Quartet (Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations) which was published on July 1," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The implementation of these Israeli projects is going to distance the two-state solution to the Palestinian problem even further and is unlikely to create conditions to foster the resumption of peace talks," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.

Tags

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