UN chief denounces end of settlement freeze as a "provocative step"

The UN’s Secretary General has expressed his disappointment over Israel’s decision not to extend the temporary freeze on settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. Mr. Ban Ki-moon described the decision as a “provocative step”.

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The Secretary General renewed his call to the international community to press the Israeli government to honour its obligation under the Road Map and end its “illegal” settlement activity in the occupied territories. He also expressed his support for the current efforts to continue the peace negotiations “in a climate conducive to progress”.