Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Kamel Amr today denounced Israel's recent decision to build more than 1,000 new settlements in East al-Quds (East Jerusalem), describing this decision as inflammatory and consistent with Israel's repeated incitement in the region. The Israeli decision reflects a continued policy of provocation by Israel, the Minister today said in a statement from Washington. He also described the Israeli decision a challenge to the international consensus that has repeatedly condemned the illegality of the settlements. Egypt is worried about the ramp-up in settlement building, Amr said. “The Israelis carry the responsibility for these provocative policies and for the exceptional circumstances in the region,” he added.