LONDON, March 20, 2012 (WAFA) - British Foreign Secretary William Hague Monday expressed his country’s concern over the ongoing Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territory.

He warned following a meeting with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor of the impact of Israeli settlement activities and the blockaded imposed on Gaza.

Hague urged parties to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to exert all efforts to prevent further deterioration in the region and to refrain from taking steps that restrict implementing the two-state solution.

He praised his country’s strong relations with Israel, including trade relations which increased by 34%, exceeding $5 billion in 2010.

T.R./R.Q./M.S.