Israel criticised over new settlement plans

Christian Aid is among the NGOs calling upon Israel to reconsider plans to build new homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

It has joined with 10 other European NGOs to strongly criticise the announcement of tenders to build nearly 1,300 new homes in the area.

Christian Aid's William Bell said that the new settlements broke international law and would further undermine a peaceful two-state solution for the region.

"Europe should speak with one voice in condemning this unilateral act of bad faith," he said.

Chris Doyle, Director of the Council of Arab-British Understanding, said: “Announcing the creation of more facts on the ground on the same day as the US election is a cynical move by the Israeli government that exposes their lack of commitment to the two-state solution and a sustainable peace.”

Souhayr Belhassen, President of International Federation for Human Rights said: “More than 42% of West Bank land and the majority of water and natural resources are already allocated to settlements.

"Settlements and their related infrastructure are carving up Palestinian communities into disconnected enclaves and having a devastating impact on Palestinians lives and livelihoods.”