TOKYO, April 3, 2017 (WAFA) – Japan condemned on Monday Israeli government approval of the construction of a new settlement in the West Bank as well as the construction of about 2000 housing units in the settlements and the expropriation of nearly 90 hectares of Palestinian land.

A statement by the Japanese foreign press secretary, Norio Maruyama, said the government of Japan condemns Israel’s continuous settlement activities despite repeated calls from the international community including Japan to freeze them.

“Settlement activities are in violation of international law and the Government of Japan has repeatedly called upon the Government of Israel to fully freeze settlement activities,” it said.

“The Government of Japan strongly urges the Government of Israel not to implement its construction plans and desist from unilateral actions that are undermining the viability of a two-state solution.”

The decision to build a new settlement in the occupied West Bank has drawn strong condemnation from world governments as well as the United Nations and the European Union.

M.K.