UK stresses Israeli settlements are illegal

British Consul-General in Jerusalem Philip Hall confirmed on Feb. 15 that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal and constitute an obstacle to launching negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

In televised statements, he stressed that his country is negotiating with Israel about the importance of prohibiting all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The British consul expressed his country's concern over Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinian citizens.

He added that the past five years were arduous, and there was no opportunity to improve the situation on the ground, especially since the previous U.S. administration recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which the U.K. has rejected.

Concerning British support for the Palestinian people, he stressed the U.K.'s continued provision of financial support to the Palestinian Refugee Agency, UNRWA, as well as supporting the Palestinian health and education sectors through the Palestinian government.