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Quartet condemns Israeli plans to expand housing in East Jerusalem
The Middle East Quartet has condemned Israel's decision to expand housing settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Middle East Quartet members
The UN-backed diplomatic group says it has agreed to closely monitor the developments, and "to keep under consideration additional steps that may be required to address the situation on the ground."
Israel's Interior Ministry announced last week that it has approved plans to build 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Quartet reiterates that Arab-Israeli peace and the establishment of an independent, contiguous and viable state of Palestine is in the fundamental interests of the parties, of all states in the region, and of the international community.
It calls on all concerned to support the urgent resumption of dialogue between the parties and to promote an atmosphere that is conducive to successful negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem.
The Quartet comprises the UN, the European Union, the United States of America and Russia. It says it will take full stock of the situation when it meets in Moscow this Friday.
Dianne Penn, United Nations
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