The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned on Thursday the Israeli occupation's approval of the so-called "E1" project, which would separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank and expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement, the Ministry added:
"This step, which will effectively sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem, disregards international law and UN resolutions, and targets the territorial unity of the State of Palestine, the foundations of the two-state solution, and prospects for lasting peace."

The Turkish Foreign Ministry affirmed that:
"The establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, maintaining geographic continuity along the 1967 borders, remains the only path to achieving just and lasting peace in the region."

It further stated:
"We will continue to support the just cause of the Palestinian people and their steadfast struggle."

The condemnation comes after Israeli Occupation Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced approval of the settlement plan in the area designated as "E1," which would effectively separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank.