UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov has deplored the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Expressing resentment over continued violence in Gaza in United Nations Security Council, he said that the expansion of settlements has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.

He said that the existence and expansion of settlements would fuel anger and disillusionment among the Palestinian population.

He urged to end the expansion immediately by Israel as it would be devastating to the potential of reviving negotiations and regional peace.

NNR/Khokhar