European Union protests at new Israeli settlements

The European Union has expressed concern over the Israeli government's decision to build six-hundred new Jewish homes on the occupied West Bank.

In a statement, the European Union said the Israeli move -- announced on Thursday -- was damaging, coming at a time when efforts were being intensified to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process.

The EU said Jewish settlements in the occupied area were illegal and counter-productive for peace efforts in the Middle-East.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service