UK, Europe to Consider Further Responses to Israel's Settlement Push in West Bank

Britain and other European countries will consider "further steps" if Israelrefuses to reverse its plans for settlement expansion after a wave of diplomatic protests, the foreign secretary, William Hague, has told parliament.

Australia and Brazil joined five European countries in summoning Israeli ambassadors to hear condemnation of plans to build thousands of settler homes and develop highly sensitive land east of Jerusalem. The Israeli announcement is seen as a direct response to the UN's recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state. In addition to last week's announcement, which came within hours of the UN vote, Israel said on Tuesday it would proceed with two more construction programmes in East Jerusalem.

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