The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) expresses its deep concern regarding Prime Minister Barak's decision to dismantle 12 caravans in his "claimed" efforts to fight the construction of illegal Israeli settlements, while, at the same time, approves the construction of 3,000 new settlement-housing units.

It seems difficult not to interpret his actions as petty gestures to counter pressures that call for the dismantlement of "all" illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

In light of these decisions, Israel is undermining and provocatively neglecting the "illegal" status of all settlements. If Barak's claims of his commitment to peace in the region are indeed genuine, then he must re-consider his decisions and press for the immediate and total removal of all Israeli settlements.

Once again, MIFTAH re-iterates its stand against the construction of illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territories, and calls for an immediate and uncompromising halt to all settlement activities. In light of the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Israeli government is in direct violation of basic principles of International Law.

Furthermore, Israel's actions are directly placing severe obstacles in the progress of the Middle East Peace Process, particularly within the context of the current Final Status Negotiations.

Therefore, MIFTAH calls upon the international community at large to take assertive measures against Israel's provocative and deceptive policies regarding the settlements issue, which are adding more volatility to an already explosive situation.