European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton deplored Tuesday, September 27, Israel's decision to advance settlement construction in East Jerusalem with approximately 1000 new housing units in the Gilo neighborhood, European Jewish Press reported.

She called on the Israeli authorities “to reverse this plan.”

"Last Friday, the Quartet called on the Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from provocative actions if negotiations are to resume and be effective, and reiterated the obligations of both parties under the Roadmap," she said in a statement.

She continued, "the EU has repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001."

"Settlement activity threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution and raises questions about Israel's stated commitment to resume negotiations," Ashton added.

Addressing the European Parliament in, Strasbourg later on Tuesday during a debate on the demand for UN recognition of a Palestinian state, Catherine Ashton said that she heard "with deep regret" that Israeli settlement plans were continuing and planned to take up the issue again with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when she next meets him.