Anderson condemns plans to expand illegal Israeli settlements

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has condemned Israeli plans to continue with the construction of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

Martina Anderson said: 

"Israel is continuing with the construction of illegal settlements on Palestinian land with plans to build 1,800 new houses in occupied East Jerusalem. 

"Not only will this involve the building of new illegal settlements but it could also involve the demolition of existing Palestinian homes.

“These Israeli settlements are illegal under international law as they are being built on occupied territory.

"Israel's action are depriving the Palestinian people of their most basic rights. 

"The hypocrisy of Israel's actions was recently highlighted when Israeli authorities seized solar panels from a Palestinian village which were donated by the Dutch government as they did not have the required permits yet at the same time illegal Israeli settlements are connected to the electricity grid. 

"Israel cannot be allowed to continue to deny Palestinians their rights, Israeli aggression and illegal settlement construction must be brought to an end."