Malta has condemned Israel's decision to expropriate some 1,000 acres of Palestinian land in the Etzion block close to Bethlehem.

The land was expropriated for new settlement expansion.

Malta reiterated the EU’s long standing position that settlements were illegal under international law and not conducive to the realisation of the two-State solution.

In the wake of the ceasefire in Gaza, the government said it felt that any action that could undermine the prospect of constructive negotiations should be avoided.

It urged the Israeli government to reconsider this decision.

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