Key facts
- Portugal's foreign minister said Israeli settlement expansion and economic pressure in the West Bank and East Jerusalem undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
- The E1 settlement plan was described as "extremely pernicious" and incompatible with a two-state solution.
- Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues was called a "brutal strangulation" of the Palestinian Authority's finances.
- Christian schools in East Jerusalem have been closed, worsening conditions.
- Portugal recognized the State of Palestine a year ago.
- Israel closed Britain's consulate in East Jerusalem in response to UK, France, and Canada plans to block imports from West Bank settlements.
LISBON, Sept. 14 (Reuters) - Portugal's foreign minister stated on Monday that Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, coupled with economic pressure, is undermining the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel described Israel's E1 settlement plan as "extremely pernicious," warning that it would divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem, and is incompatible with a two-state solution.
Rangel also characterized Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues as a "brutal strangulation" of the Palestinian Authority's finances, which he said prevents the economy from functioning. He cited the closure of Christian schools in East Jerusalem as further evidence of deteriorating conditions.