The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel’s approval of the construction of 3,000 homes in West Bank settlements, describing the decision as disappointing.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, said, “We reaffirm Russia’s principled position that Israel’s settlement activity is illegal.”  

“Such unilateral actions undermine the chances of a survivable and geographically indivisible Palestinian state within the framework of its resolutions and the efforts of the international community to create the conditions for the resumption of political dialogue between Palestine and Israel as soon as possible,” she added.

“The Israeli government’s plans to double the number of Israeli citizens in the Jordan River Valley by 2026 can be considered the annexation of most of the occupied Palestinian territory,” Zakharova continued.

Zakharova called on all parties to avoid steps that would increase tensions in the region.