RAMALLAH, January 23, 2017 (WAFA) – The ministry of foreign affairs Monday condemned the Jerusalem Municipality’s approval to build 560 housing units in Jerusalem settlements saying the expansion aims to foil a two-state solution.

The ministry said in a press release that such expansions aim to take over large areas in the West Bank and Jerusalem and impose unilateral facts on the ground and a solution that caters to Israel’s needs and neglects Palestinians’ rights.

“The Israeli government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has begun setting up obstacles in front of the administration of the new US president Donald Trump to counter peace efforts between the two sides.”

The ministry said Israel is promoting that the international climate is suitable for more expansion and land grab in an Israeli attempt to impose the Israeli vision and position on the ground, which Trump will not be able to oppose.

“Such propaganda needs a strict and clear position from the international community, most notably the new US administration, in a way that guarantees the two-state solution and mechanisms to put an end to Israeli settlement expansion.

“Enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 has become a priority, because it guarantees the resumption of peace and fruitful negotiations.”

M.H