Pyongyang, December 18 (KCNA) -- The permanent observer of Palestine to the UN in a recent letter addressed to the UN secretary general scathingly accused Israel’s illegal act.

He said Israel's approval of new settlement activities in East Kuds and the West Bank are "incendiary and illegal actions" to divide Palestine.

He also pointed to the escalation of military assaults and human rights violations by Israel, which he said has caused the "rapid rise of tensions and instability on the ground." He called upon the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop the construction of settlements and repressive acts.