UK calls on Israel to abandon expansion of control over West Bank

(Patria) - The United Kingdom on Monday called on Israel to reverse its decision to expand control over the West Bank, joining Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in criticizing the move, Reuters reported.

"The UK strongly condemns yesterday's decision by the Israeli security cabinet to expand Israeli control over the West Bank," the government said.
Critics said the Israeli move to ease settlement expansion and extend authority in the West Bank amounted to annexation of occupied territory.

"Any unilateral attempt to change the geographical or demographic composition of Palestine is completely unacceptable and would be contrary to international law. We call on Israel to immediately reverse these decisions," the British government added.