The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israel’s approval of a controversial settlement plan in the E1 area, warning that the move will deepen the fragmentation of Palestinian territories and deal a serious blow to peace efforts in the region.

In a written statement, the ministry denounced the decision, stressing that the project “will effectively separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem” and constitutes a clear violation of international law and United Nations resolutions. The plan, Ankara warned, undermines the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine — a cornerstone of the two-state solution — and erodes hopes for a lasting peace.

“This step disregards international law and UN resolutions; it targets the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine, the foundation for a two-state solution, and the hopes for lasting peace,” the statement read.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights, the ministry emphasized that the only viable path to peace lies in the establishment of “an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

The statement concluded by pledging continued political and diplomatic backing for “the legitimate cause and steadfast efforts of the Palestinian people” in the face of Israeli settlement expansion. (ILKHA)