Foreign Secretary statement on West Bank settlements

On 5 and 6 August, the Israeli Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration announced plans to advance 2,304 settlement housing units in Israeli settlements, in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

We urge Israel to halt its settlement expansion, which is contrary to international law and promotes the effective annexation of the West Bank.

While the Israeli Cabinet approved construction permits for 715 Palestinian units in Area C, much more needs to be done to fulfil the needs of the estimated 300,000 Palestinians there.

The UK continues to urge the Government of Israel to develop improved mechanisms that allow Palestinians to build within Area C.

The UK also remains seriously concerned by the continued demolition of Palestinian property by Israeli authorities, including in Wadi al Hummus on 22 July.