EU calls on Israel to halt Jewish settlement expansion

BRUSSELS, Oct 1 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Wednesday called on Israel to halt continued settlement expansion, including East Jerusalem especially in sensitive areas such as Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and E1.
"At this delicate moment after the Gaza ceasefire, it is essential to avoid actions that may increase tensions, in particular in East Jerusalem," said Maja Kocijancic a spokesperson for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.
"Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make the two State-solution impossible. The EU will recognize changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, only when agreed by the parties," she noted in a statement.
The EU reaction came after Israeli settlers on Tuesday occupied ten structures consisting of 23 apartments in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan just south of the Old City of Jerusalem. (end) nk.mt