TURKEY: ISRAEL’S ILLEGAL SETTLEMENTS IN JERUSALEM VIOLATE INTERNATIONAL LAW

Al-Quds, 10 Rajab 1436/29 April 2015 (MINA) – Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning Israel’s resolution to build 77 new illegal settlements in East Jerusalem, saying “it is contrary to the international law”.

“It is unacceptable under any circumstances to accept that”, the statement mentioned, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The statement added, “The continuation of the illegal practices that affect the two-state solution has convinced the international community that Israel is unserious regarding the peace process”.

The Peace Now Israeli leftist movement, which disclosed the news of the construction bids on Monday, said, “this resolution indicates the policy of the new Israeli government to be formed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”.

Netanyahu is adamant to foil any possible peace chances, the movement said.

For his part, Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem and preacher of al-Aqsa Mosque warned of the continuation of settlement expansion in Jerusalem city and its vicinity.

Sheikh Sabri who received a Dutch academic delegation headed by Professor De Guzman referred to the Israeli aggressive and arbitrary practices against Jerusalem and its people.

They include isolating Jerusalem, changing its landmarks, demolition of its houses and cemeteries, imposing unaffordable taxes on Jerusalemite people, changing the school curricula for Arab students and many others.

Sheikh Sabri also pointed out that the Islamic Umariyya covenant granted security to Jerusalem inhabitants and spread tolerance and respect between Muslims and Christians in Palestine fifteen centuries ago. (T/P011/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)