Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom have expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s decision to expand its illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the three countries said the continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and threat to rising violence.

They said Israel's provocative measures are negatively impacting efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.

They called on the Government of Israel to reverse these decisions. The Australian, Canadian and British governments also condemned violence targeting the Palestinians.