it's not looking any better is it

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/21/obama-cameron-pre-1967-pales...

On the eve of the Obamas' arrival, Middle East minister Alistair Burt accused Israel of "unhelpful and destabilising activity" in announcing the building of 1,500 new settlement units in East Jerusalem ahead of a speech by the president on the Middle East on Friday.

"I am deeply disappointed with Israel's announcement on 19 May to build up to 1,500 settlement units in the East Jerusalem settlements of Har Homa and Pisgat Ze'ev," Burt said.

"This decision came on the same day as Obama's important speech on the Middle East, which set out a clear path towards peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. Settlement activity is a recognised obstacle to this path. It is illegal under international law and should stop.

"The UK continues to call on Israel to cease unhelpful and destabilising activity and instead help build the conditions that allow meaningful negotiations to resume."