The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the Israeli decision to expand illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to the UNSG’s spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the decision of the Israeli authorities to advance plans for some 800 settlement units, most of which are located deep inside the occupied West Bank," said the spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.

"Settlement expansion increases the risk of confrontation, further undermines the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and further erodes the possibility of ending the occupation and establishing a contiguous and viable sovereign Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 lines." Guterres urged Israel "to halt and reverse such decisions, which are a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace," concluded the spokesperson.