UN chief Ban: Israel's new settlements "illegal"

UN chief Ban: Israel's new settlements "illegal"New York  - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued sharp criticism late Tuesday of Israel's latest plans to build new housing units on the occupied Palestinian territories.

A spokesman said that ban considered the construction "illegal," as well as undermining peace efforts and casting doubt on the possibility of a two-state solution.

The comments follow the announcement of plans to build 900 new units on Arab land in a Jewish area around Jerusalem. (dpa)