Gaza, Alray - The French government condemned Israel's approval of plans to build new settlement units in the Har Homa settlement compound.

Israel's municipality in Jerusalem issued building permits to 69 new housing units in Har Homa, which is built on Jabal Abu-Ghneim Palestinian area.

"This decision is not legal from the point of view of international law," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Philip Lalio, "and it undermines credibility and weakens the chances of reaching a just and lasting solution for the conflict."

Lalio underlined France’s support of all efforts aiming to launch new Palestinian-Israeli talks. "We also call for the parties to avoid all behavior which could block the way to negotiations." He said, adding that his country would like to see negotiations start soon "without preconditions".