Greens urge Minister Bishop to speak up

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has written to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, urging her to publicly condemn a massive land grab in the West Bank.

"Israel's announcement that it has appropriated nearly 1000 acres of land in the West Bank is deeply concerning," said Senator Milne.

"It is claimed to be the biggest land-seizure in 30 years and puts at risk the recent ceasefire agreement, damaging the potential for a long-term resolution of the conflict.

"UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon has expressed his alarm, the United States has urged Israel to reverse the decision, and as a responsible global citizen, Australia needs to speak up.

"This kind of settlement activity is against international law and I'm calling on Foreign Minister Bishop to issue a condemnation.

"The Australian Greens want to see a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. We stand with the United Nations and the United States in calling on Israel to reverse their most recent acquisition of land in the Bethlehem Jerusalem region," said Senator Milne.