As Israel approves new settlement housing, UN’s Ban Ki-moon calls for halt

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the Israeli Government to halt the expansion of settlements after it approved the resumption of the construction of 750 housing units in Givat Zeev in the West Bank.

“Any settlement expansion is contrary to Israel’s obligations under the Road Map and to international law,” Mr. Ban said through a statement released by his spokesperson.

Addressing the parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Secretary-General re-emphasized the importance of fulfilling obligations under the Road Map, the peace framework drawn up by the Middle East diplomatic Quartet consisting of the UN, European Union, United States and Russian Federation.