U.N. Condemns Israel Approval of New Settler Homes

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned Israel's approval of 300 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank and called on the government to reverse its decision.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the "immediate" construction of the 300 homes in Beit El and planning for another 504 homes in annexed east Jerusalem, his office said.

Ban reiterated that "settlements are illegal under international law, an impediment to peace and cannot be reconciled" with Israel's "stated intention to pursue a two-state solution," his spokesman said in a statement released in New York.

Ban urged Israel "to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace" his spokesman said.

The U.N. secretary general also expressed concern about the threat of demolitions in the West Bank village of Susiya ahead of an August court hearing. 

"The destruction of private property in occupied territory is prohibited under international humanitarian law, and for which actions there must be accountability," his spokesman said.