ISTANBUL

Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Israel’s approval of the construction of settlements that would effectively split the occupied West Bank into two disconnected parts.

“The Kingdom also denounces the Israeli Foreign Minister's statements preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, considering them a violation of international law,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It emphasized that these decisions and statements confirm the Israeli government’s continuation of “illegal expansionist policies, its obstruction of peace efforts, and the serious threat to the possibility of a two-state solution.”

“This requires the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, protect the Palestinian people, and fulfill their legitimate rights, including recognition of the Palestinian state,” the statement added.

It called for Israel to be compelled to end its aggression in Gaza, stop illegal activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, halt crimes against Palestinians, and hold those responsible accountable.

Riyadh also underlined that the international community, especially permanent members of the UN Security Council, should take immediate action “to compel the Israeli occupation authorities to end their crimes against the Palestinian people and the occupied Palestinian territory” and ensure compliance with UN resolutions and international law.

On Thursday, Israeli media reported that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved the construction of 3,401 settler units in Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, and 3,515 more in surrounding areas. The project aims to split the West Bank into two parts, severing connections between its northern and southern cities and isolating East Jerusalem.

In an advisory opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.