The Israeli decision to open up bidding for the construction of hundreds of new settler units in Jerusalem contradicts the international legal foundation for a settlement in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said today in a statement.

The Ministry condemned Israel’s decision to move ahead with the construction of 1,257 settler units in the settlement of Givat Hamatos.

“The construction of new housing in this area will separate East Jerusalem from Bethlehem, thereby interrupting the territorial continuity of the Palestinian state, which is envisaged by UN resolutions and is indispensable for viability,” it warned.

Moreover, it reaffirmed Russia’s position on the illegality of Israeli colonial settlements in line with international law.

“Such actions by Israel are an obstacle to reaching a fair Palestinian-Israeli settlement and establishing a durable and comprehensive peace in the Middle East,” it highlighted.

“We urge everyone to refrain from any steps that might undermine the prospects for resuming a direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue on the fundamental issues of a final status,” the statement concluded.