The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)  has today condemned the decision of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to expand the Gilo settlement south of Jerusalem, on land annexed by Israel in 1967, as illegal and a further threat to prospects for peace.

Widespread international criticism has followed the announcement that a further 900 dwellings will be built at the settlement.

“The existence of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, in contravention of international law, is a major barrier to solving the conflict, and the decision to expand this settlement can only make matters worse.

” Israel should be removing settlements, not expanding them.

” This immoral and illegal decision will only serve to intensify Palestinian anger, weaken the position of those seeking peace on both sides, and increase the risk of further conflict, to the detriment of Palestinians and Israelis alike,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.