Jordan condemns Israeli settlement expansions

AMMAN — The Kingdom on Wednesday condemned the latest decisions by the Israeli government to expand and legalise settlements, the most recent of which was the approval of the expansion of settlement outposts near Bethlehem, Al Walaja and Husan, which are listed as endangered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

 A Foreign Ministry statement described the decision as "clear violations of international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and international agreements related to the protection of cultural heritage."

Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of the Israeli "systematic" actions that entrench Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and undermine peace efforts based on the two-state solution.

Qudah called on Israel, as an occupying force, to comply with its international obligations and immediately cease settlement activities that are confiscating Palestinian land and displacing its people.

He also urged the international community to intervene and stop such "illegal" actions, warning that the continued expansion of settlements, amidst the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, pushes towards escalation in the region for which Israel bears full responsibility.