RAMALLAH, February 2, 2017 (WAFA) - The Government of Japan Thursday deeply deplored Israel’s approval of the construction of about 3000 housing units in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Foreign Press Secretary Norio Maruyama said the announcement came despite repeated calls from the international community including Japan to freeze settlement activities.

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

Japan strongly urged Israel to refrain from advancing its construction plans, which undermine the viability of a two-state solution.

M.H