G7 Condemns Israel's Settlement Expansion In West Bank

JAKARTA - Foreign ministers from the main democracies of the Group of Seven (G7) condemned Israel's move to expand its settlements in the occupied West Bank. The G7 calls Israel's action counterproductive to the purpose of peace.

Israel announced last month it would legalize five outposts in the West Bank, build three new settlements, and confiscate most of the land where Palestinians seek to establish an independent country.

The G7 which includes the United States, Britain, Canada, Japan, France, Germany and Italy condemned the move and urged Israel to reverse its decision.

"We reaffirm our commitment to lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution," the statement said.

The G7 foreign ministers also asked Israel to release all remaining tax revenues cut to the Palestinian Authority, saying maintaining economic stability in the West Bank is critical to regional security.