Japan 'deplores' Israel's illegal settlement activity on Palestinian land

The Japanese government slammed Israel on Tuesday saying "deeply deplores" Israeli plans to illegally construct more than 1000 housing units in the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Japan’s Press Secretary Takeshi Osuga acknowledged that Israel is continuing its illegal settlement activities despite repetitive demands to freeze the activities.

"Settlement activities are in violation of international law and Japan has repeatedly called upon the Government of Israel to fully freeze settlement activities," Takeshi said according to Palestinian Authority official news agency WAFA.

"The Government of Japan once again strongly urges the Government of Israel to fully freeze its settlements activities including implementing the construction plans that are undermining the viability of a two-state solution."

51 years of illegal occupation

Israel has occupied the West Bank illegally since 1967, committing various crimes against Palestinian civilians.

More than 600,000 Israeli Jews live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, in constructions considered illegal under international law.

Along with stealing land, occupying Israeli forces and settlers routinely torment Palestinians.

Earlier this month, the PA condemned a new plan to build 20,000 illegal Israeli settlement units in the occupied city of Jerusalem as a "declaration of war".

PA spokesman Yousef al-Mahmoud said on Thursday that the settlement plan was a crime committed by Israeli and US authorities.

"[This] is declaration of war on the existence of the city and its Arab and Islamic characteristics and an attempt to bury these distinguishing features," the agency quoted Mahmoud as saying.

He warned the move will "lead the region and the world into more conflict and violence".

On Wednesday, PA President Mahmoud Abbas said Palestinians will defeat the new settlement plan.