The Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) are illegal and constitute an obstacle to launching negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, said British Consul-General Philip Hall in Jerusalem.

Hall stated that they are talking candidly with the Israelis about the importance of halting all settlement activities in oPt.

Moreover, he expressed his country's concern about the violence of Israeli settlers against Palestinians, adding that the past five years were difficult, and there was no opportunity to improve the situation on the ground, especially since the previous US administration recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which Britain has rejected.

"Britain continues to provide financial support to the Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, in addition to supporting the Palestinian health and education sectors through the Palestinian government," he added.