Germany on Thursday criticized Israeli plans to build almost 2000 housing units in the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, stressing that settlements are illegal under international law.

“We have noted with great concern the Israeli authorities’ decisions to further expand settlements in the West Bank,” said a Federal Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement. “The German Government calls on those involved to refrain from taking any steps that would further hinder a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.”

The spokesperson added: “Like its partners in the European Union, the German Government regards the building of settlements in the Palestinian territories as illegal under international law and as a major obstacle to the possibility of a two-state solution to be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians.”