JERUSALEM, November 23, 2009 (WAFA)-The World Council of Churches (WCC),  said 'strongly condemns the decision ... to expand the illegal Gilo settlement as we believe that this decision will hinder attempts now in process to restart the peace negotiations.'

Expressing 'great disappointment', WCC Secretary General Reverend Samuel  Kobia said the leading council of Christian and Orthodox churches 'strongly condemns the decision ... to expand the illegal Gilo settlement as we believe that this decision will hinder attempts now in process to restart the peace negotiations.'

WCC has called for 'resistance' against Israel's decision to expand its settlements built on lands seized from the West Bank city of Bethlehem near east Jerusalem Al-Quds.

WCC declared that the expansion of the Israeli settlements 'may destroy any chance for peace.'

Kobia called on organizations related to the Council 'to act with resolve, in concert ... to reverse this decision of the Israeli government and the settlement program it represents.'

'If settlements continue to expand and proliferate, they will further complicate negotiations and may destroy any chance for peace,' Kobia said in a statement.