The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned Israel’s approval of 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a violation of international law. Israeli rights group Peace Now reported that the decision was made secretly in early April, and Israeli media confirmed the report. The Palestinian Presidency also denounced the plan as a flagrant breach of international law, while the Israeli government has not issued any comment.

In a statement, the OIC said Israel, as the occupying power, has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and that all measures to alter their geographic or demographic character are null and void. The organisation warned that the expansion of settlements, land confiscation, and settler violence threaten the two-state solution and the rights of Palestinians. Turkiye also criticised the decision, describing it as a serious violation of international law and UN resolutions.

According to Israeli media, the 34 settlements were approved during a recent security cabinet session, marking the largest number ever approved at once. Ten of the sites are existing outposts to be legalised, while 24 are new constructions yet to begin.