Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said:

We condemn the recent decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to advance plans for 1096 settlement units in the West Bank, and to approve the construction of 63 new units in East Jerusalem. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution. The UK urges the Israeli authorities to reverse these decisions.

The focus now must be on resumed negotiating efforts between the parties towards a two-state solution, starting with negotiations on 14 August. We urge both parties to continue to show the bold and decisive leadership needed for these efforts to succeed, and to avoid steps that undermine negotiations. The need for progress is urgent: we firmly believe the current efforts can bring about the lasting peace that the people of the region deserve.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt on twitter @AlistairBurtFCO

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+