UN chief condemns Israeli settlement activity

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned Israeli plans to build a new settlement and establish an industrial zone in the West Bank.

Spokesman Farhan Haq said Tuesday that Ban was particularly concerned that “the establishment of a new settlement near Shiloh will make the prospect of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state more remote.”

Settlement monitoring group Peace Now said Saturday that the Israeli government approved plans to build 98 housing units as well as the creation of a new industrial zone west of Ramallah.

“The Secretary-General urges Israel to halt and reverse such counterproductive decisions in the interests of peace and a just final status agreement,” Haq said.

Palestinians want their new state in the West Bank with East Jerusalem as its capital.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.