UN and Partners Condemn Israel’s Housing Plans in Occupied Palestinian Territory
New York, Aug 16 2011 - Voicing great concern at Israel’s recent announcements to advance planning for new housing in
Ariel and East Jerusalem in occupied Palestinian territory, the United Nations and its partners in the search for Middle
East peace today called the action contrary to international law.
“Unilateral action by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the
international community,” the Quartet, comprising the UN, the European Union (EU), the United States and Russia, said in
a statement.
“Jerusalem in particular is one of the core issues that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties, which
underscores the urgent need for the parties to resume serious and substantive talks,” it added. “This comes at a
critical juncture with Quartet efforts ongoing to resume negotiations which are the only way to a just and durable
solution to the conflict.”
Israel captured East Jerusalem along with the West Bank and Gaza in the Six-Day War in 1967, but annexed the city as its
united capital in a move not recognized by the international community. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital
of their future State.
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been stalled since late September last year following Israel’s refusal to extend a
10-month freeze on settlement activity. That decision prompted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to withdraw
from direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks had only resumed a few weeks earlier after a
two-year hiatus.
Today’s statement referred to an earlier condemnation the Quartet issued in March 2010, when Israel’s Interior Ministry
announced its initial approval of the plans for the new homes in East Jerusalem, comprising 1,600 units in Ramat Shlomo.
In that statement it reaffirmed that Arab-Israeli peace and the establishment of an independent, contiguous and viable
State of Palestine “is in the fundamental interests of the parties, of all States in the region, and of the
international community,” citing the so-called Road Map plan which calls for Israel and Palestine to live side by side
in peace and within secure borders.
“The Quartet is determined to pursue its efforts,” the partners said today. “Ultimately, it is up to Israeli and
Palestinian leaders to make tough decisions and avoid actions by their governments that undermine the very goals they
and we are trying to achieve.”
Last week UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry called the proposed building in East
Jerusalem a “provocative action,” but Israel yesterday announced approval for 277 more homes in Ariel on the West Bank.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also voiced concern at such “provocative actions on the ground,” calling them contrary
to international law.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS