The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the “Israeli| government's decisions and actions that entrench the occupation of Palestinian territories through the expansion and legalization of settlements – per a statement issued today.

The latest of these actions includes the approval of the legalization of five settlement outposts in the West Bank and the push towards constructing thousands of new settlements there.

“These measures represent a blatant challenge and a serious violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334,” the statement added.

The ministry's spokesperson, Ambassador Dr. Sufian Qudah, emphasized the need to stop the escalating settler terrorism in the occupied West Bank and to halt the illegal and illegitimate unilateral “Israeli” measures that undermine all opportunities for achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

“This solution envisions an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Al-Qudah said.

Ambassador Qudah also stressed the necessity for “Israel”, as the occupying power, to comply with international law and international resolutions, and to halt its settlement plans aimed at altering the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of providing international protection for the Palestinian people.