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Statement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. on settlement announcements in East Jerusalem
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. today commented on reports of further decisions on settlement construction in parts of occupied East Jerusalem, saying,
I condemn the latest announcement on further settlement construction and expansion in parts of East Jerusalem. All settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is very clearly illegal under international law.
The construction of settlements in the Har Homa and Givat Hamatos areas in East Jerusalem would be a significant step, undermining the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State. I urge the Israeli government to desist from any further steps in relation to these specific settlement plans, and to halt all settlement construction.