An-Najah News - Nickolay Mladenov, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the UN security Council that the recent Israeli authorities' advancing of some 5,000  illegal settlement housing units"is of great concern," and impede the contiguity of a future Palestinian state.

"While the location of these units is particularly worrying, I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. 

 he said Settlement-related activities should cease as they undermine the prospect of achieving a viable two-State solution in line with UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements,".