Israel urged to extend settlement halt

The Middle East Quartet, comprised of the US, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, has urged Israel to extend its so-called settlement freeze.

Tel Aviv introduced the partial freeze in November 2009, but repeatedly violated it by continuing to construct new settlement units in the occupied Palestinian land.

“The Quartet noted that the commendable Israeli settlement moratorium instituted last November has had a positive impact and urged its continuation,” it said in a statement after its representatives met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

A planned press conference following the meeting was nevertheless called off at the last minute and electricity cut was cited as the reason.

Palestinians officials have repeatedly urged Israel to extend the 10-month partial freeze, which expires next week.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far refused to extend the partial ban, despite the urging of US President Barack Obama.