UK official says expansion of Gilo 'deeply worrying'

Britain's Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt spoke out on Friday against plans to approve some 800 housing units in Gilo, labeling the plan "deeply worrying."

In a statement, the foreign office minister said the UK had been clear that settlements were illegal and undermined the two-state solution.

"It is deeply worrying that despite repeatedly raising our concerns, Israel continues to press ahead with plans to expand them. I therefore strongly condemn yesterday’s news," Burt said.

"This move is contrary to Israel’s stated commitments to both the two-state solution and to upholding international law. We urge Israel to reverse this decision and take no further steps to expand settlements."