(VOVworld) – The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to warn that Israel’s plan for further settlements in east Jerusalem would disrupt peace talks in the Middle East.

The UN Security Council holds an emergency session on the situation in the Middle East on Wednesday at UN headquarters. (Photo: AP)

Addressing the meeting, Jeffrey Feltman, UN Under-Secretary-General on Political Affairs, said that the settlements, if pursued, would raise “grave doubts” about Israel’s commitment to a long-term peace deal with Palestine and violate international law. He called on the parties involved to hold talks to resolve the roots of the conflict, one of which is Tel Aviv’s settlement building program over the last 50 years. Although no resolution was passed, a number of nations have criticised Israel’s plans and called for an end of any unilateral actions which could escalate tensions.