Ban deplores Israel's advancement of settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territories

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly deplored the advancement of settlement activities on three occasions over the past three consecutive weeks by the Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, a spokesman for the UN said today.

“He reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement,” said a statement released from Mr. Ban's spokesman.

The Secretary-General also reiterated that the international community will not recognize unilateral actions on the ground and that the status of Jerusalem can only be resolved through negotiations.