Palestinian FM says expanded Israeli control of Gaza aims to displace residents

RAMALLAH, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of expanding control to 70 percent of the Gaza Strip aims to displace its residents.

Speaking to Xinhua, Shahin also condemned the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. "The law is clear, the procedures are clear, and the international community must take a stand and say enough is enough to this settlement activity and this Israeli arrogance."

Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had issued a directive to increase the Israeli military's control over the Gaza Strip from 60 percent to 70 percent of the territory.

Israel seized control of the West Bank after the 1967 war and established settlements there, which the international community considers illegal. Enditem