The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, said she regrets the Israeli decision not to extend the moratorium on settlements.
In a statement issued on Monday, she said: “We are examining the consequences of this decision and consulting with the parties and our Quartet and Arab partners.”
“The position of the EU is very clear: settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible,” she added.
“The Quartet welcomed Israel’s moratorium and the positive atmosphere it created for the negotiations. Both Palestinians and Israelis have an obligation to act in accordance with previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap.”
Ashton urged the parties “to act responsibly.” “There is no alternative to a negotiated solution. Therefore, it is in everybody's interest to find a satisfactory way for the negotiations to continue and gather momentum,” she said.
“The EU stands firm on our full support to the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, as part of a just and comprehensive peace. We will do whatever is possible to help both parties choose the path of peace and reach a successful outcome,” the statement said.