Gilo neighborhood
Photo: Reuters
Tehran slams Gilo construction plans
Iran: Israeli plans to construct new homes in Jerusalem neighborhood 'unforgivable'
Iran has joined the European Union and the United States Thursday in condemning Israeli plans to build 900 new residential units in Jerusalem's Gilo neighborhood.
The Foreign Ministry's spokesman, who was quoted by news agency IRNA, said: "This is a new case of continuing occupation and brutality on the part of the Zionist regime, in the face of the international community's demand to stop construction in the Jewish settlements located on occupied land."
A statement issued by Iran's Foreign Ministry Thursday characterized the construction plans as "unforgivable and dangerous."
Chinese Criticism
Ali Waked and AP
Beijing says plan to expand southeastern Jerusalem neighborhood poses new obstacles to peace process, urges 'concrete measures to restore Palestine-Israel mutual trust.'
Addressing recent violence in Jerusalem's Temple Mount, the spokesman added: "The Zionist regime is shamelessly invading and undermining Temple Mount time and again, while European states merely watch and do nothing."
The spokesman urged international and Islamic organizations to intervene and no longer "turn a blind eye" to the situation.
Earlier, China also criticized Israel over Jerusalem's Gilo plans.
"We urge the Israeli side to take concrete measures to restore Palestine-Israel mutual trust and create favorable conditions for the early resumption of talks between them," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a regular briefing.
