Germany warned Israel Monday of its continuous announcements of building new settlements in east Al-Quds and the West Bank, saying this would affect efforts for peace talks.

Germany warned Israel Monday of its continuous announcements of building new settlements in east Al-Quds and the West Bank, saying this would affect efforts for peace talks.

"The Israeli government must be aware that the continuous announcements of new settlements convey a devastating message with a view to the current efforts and resumption of peace negotiations," government spokesman  Georg Streiter stated in a news conference.

"We strongly urge the Israeli government to refrain from inviting tenders
for housing units," he added.

According to AFP, Streiter pointed out that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that these acts have "raised doubt whether the Israeli government has an interest in the start of serious negotiations with the Palestinians.