Türkiye has strongly condemned Israel's decision to approve the construction of new settlement units in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move further undermines the prospects for peace and violates the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

In a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Ankara denounced the latest settlement expansion plans, describing them as part of Israel's ongoing policy of land confiscation and territorial expansion in occupied Palestinian territories.

The ministry stressed that the Israeli government's actions continue to weaken international efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue based on the internationally recognized two-state framework.

According to the statement, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing policies that deepen the occupation by expanding settlements and facilitating actions by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank. Türkiye warned that such measures threaten regional stability and further complicate efforts to achieve peace.

"The Netanyahu government continues to undermine ongoing international efforts and the foundations of the two-state solution by expanding its land seizure practices and encouraging settler terrorism in the occupied West Bank," the ministry said.

Türkiye emphasized that continued settlement construction in occupied Palestinian territory constitutes a serious obstacle to peace and contributes to escalating tensions throughout the region. The ministry also warned against policies aimed at annexing Palestinian land, arguing that such actions violate international law and further erode the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Reaffirming its support for Palestinian rights, Ankara called on the international community to take concrete action to halt violations against Palestinians and uphold international legal obligations.

"The international community must fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities in order to prevent violations of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," the statement said.

The Turkish government has repeatedly voiced opposition to Israeli settlement activity, which is widely regarded by much of the international community as illegal under international law. Palestinian officials and human rights organizations argue that continued settlement expansion fragments Palestinian territory, accelerates land confiscation, and undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Türkiye's latest statement comes amid growing international concern over accelerating settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians continue to face displacement, land seizures, and increasing restrictions under Israeli occupation policies. (ILKHA)