Austria has condemned Israel’s decision to expand its settlements in occupied Palestinian lands, saying such a decision is a deliberate move to block peace efforts.

"Israel’s ongoing settlement policy is increasingly becoming a targeted effort to undermine any peace process," AFP quoted Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger as saying in a statement on Thursday.

"The growing Israeli settlements on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, and the blockade, are destroying any trust in a political process and thereby hindering economic and social developments in the Palestinian territories," he added.

Israel on Wednesday declared that it plans to build 900 new homes in east Jerusalem Al-Quds.

"Israel must put an end to this one-sided policy on Palestinian territory," Spindelegger stated.

"We are currently lacking the readiness and the courage for an honest negotiating process," he concluded.

(Press TV)