Thu Sep 29, 2011 2:49PM GMT
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A picture shows a new construction site in the Israeli settlement of Gilo in illegally annexed East al-Quds on September 27, 2011
Turkey has strongly criticized Israel's decision to approve hundreds of new settlement units in the illegally annexed East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in the occupied West Bank.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement late on Wednesday to condemn the new expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land as a clear violation of the international law and an unacceptable move, the Turkish daily Today's Zaman reported.
The statement came a day after Israel announced its approval for the construction of 1,100 new settlement units in the settlement of Gilo in southeast al-Quds, a move which drew condemnation from the Palestinians. The European Union, the United Nations and the United States also expressed disappointment over the new settlements.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry statement questioned the Israeli regime's sincerity seeking peace and raised serious suspicions about Tel Aviv's real intention at a time when the international community is focused on finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It said Israel's seizure of Palestinian territories through illegal settlements by turning a deaf ear to reactions from the international community once more showed how rightful and timely it is to recognize Palestinian state at the United Nations.
The Palestinian Authority has demanded that Israel halt all settlement construction in the West Bank, as well as East al-Quds, as a condition for resuming talks.
Israel occupied the West Bank during the Six-Day war of 1967 and later annexed East al-Quds in a move never recognized by the international community.
Last week, the Palestinian Authority asked the UN Security Council, despite fierce opposition from Tel Aviv and Washington, to recognize an independent Palestinian state within the border of 1967.
MRS/JR
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