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Statement by The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, on settlements

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, condemned yesterday’s announcement of plans for over a thousand settlement units, and the publication of tenders for over 800 units throughout the West Bank. The Tánaiste said:

“This announcement undermines efforts by friends of Israel and of the Palestinians to support a meaningful peace process in the Middle East, which is the only way to achieve an independent Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel. The construction of settlements in occupied territory is unquestionably illegal under international law. It undermines the viability of the two-state solution, and does not contribute to increasing Israel’s own security.”