Istanbul / Jerusalem, Aug 15 — Turkey has strongly criticised Israel’s approval of a new settlement construction plan in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying it breaches international law and United Nations resolutions.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the project would threaten the territorial integrity of Palestine, undermine the possibility of a two-state solution, and further escalate tensions in the region. The planned development in the E1 zone is seen as a strategic move that could separate East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, making a geographically connected Palestinian state nearly impossible.

Turkey reiterated its support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only path to lasting peace.

The condemnation comes alongside similar statements from Spain, the UK, and Germany, all of which have urged Israel to halt the project. The United Nations Secretary-General has also called the plan a violation of international law, urging immediate suspension to avoid further instability in the Middle East.