Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the Israeli government's decisions and measures that perpetuate the occupation of Palestinian lands by expanding and legalizing settlement construction.

The ministry said the latest Israeli step was approval of a plan to expand a new settlement outpost on lands near Bethlehem, Walaja and Husan areas, which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Danger.

The ministry added that this decision is a "blatant" challenge and "serious" violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, foremost is Security Council Resolution No. 2334, and relevant agreements for the protection of cultural property and heritage.

In a statement Wednesday, the ministry's official spokesperson, Dr. Sufian Qudah, affirmed the Kingdom's "absolute" rejection and condemnation of these Israeli systematic measures that violate all rules of international law, Security Council resolutions, UNESCO measures and relevant international references.

Qudah stressed that these condemned measures perpetuate the occupation and undermine all opportunities for achieving peace based on the "two-state solution" that restores rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent and sovereign state on June 4, 1967 lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital.

Qudah called on Israel, the occupying power, to comply with its responsibilities, in accordance with international law and cease its settlement plans that aim to seize Palestinian lands and properties and displace its people.

Qudah renewed his call to the international community to take "immediate and effective" action to stop the unilateral, illegal and unlawful Israeli measures.

In this context, he affirmed these measures, which coincide with the Israeli ongoing aggressive war on the Gaza Strip, fuel further exacerbation and escalation for the situation, which Israel bears full responsibility.