Malta concerned about Jerusalem evictions

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has reiterated its serious concern at the "continued and unacceptable" evictions in east Jerusalem.

It specified in particular two families being evicted by Israeli authorities from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood on Sunday.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said house demolitions, evictions and settlement activities in east Jerusalem were illegal under international law.

He said obstacles to the peace process were being created by the stubborn continuance of the building of settlements or expansion of existing settlements in the occupied territories and the demolition of homes and eviction of families from their residences.

"These actions are in breach of the Annapolis process undertakings and of the Quartet appeals to avoid provocative actions or measures by all stakeholders in the region," Dr Borg said.