Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's latest decision to expand settlements around occupied Jerusalem, warning that such moves threaten peace efforts and the two-state solution.

In a statement on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Israel's ongoing settlement projects and statements from Israeli leaders rejecting the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state. The ministry said these actions violate international law and the Palestinians' right to self-determination.

According to the statement, Israel's settlement expansion policies obstruct the peace process and pose a serious danger to the possibility of establishing two states. These decisions, Saudi Arabia warned, show the continuation of illegal expansionist measures by the Israeli government.

The condemnation came after Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to begin building a long-delayed settlement in the West Bank. The settlement, located in the sensitive E1 area, would effectively cut the West Bank off from East Jerusalem. Smotrich declared the move would "bury" the idea of a Palestinian state.

Israeli media also reported that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar vowed to block the two-state solution entirely, claiming a Palestinian state would endanger Israel's existence. This firm stance has drawn sharp criticism from peace advocates and world governments.

Saudi Arabia urged the international community to act immediately, protect the Palestinian people, and compel Israel to end its settlement expansion, aggression in Gaza, and violations in the West Bank. The Kingdom called for full accountability for what it described as crimes against Palestinians and demanded compliance with United Nations resolutions and international law.

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