Abu Dhabi, Aug. 22 (Petra) -- The Muslim Council of Elders on Saturday strongly condemned the continuation of illegal Israeli settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territory, expressing its absolute rejection of the E1 settlement master plan and related activities east of occupied Jerusalem.

In a statement, the council described settlement plans as a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. It warned that such actions pose a grave threat to regional peace efforts and undermine the geographic continuity of occupied Palestinian land, particularly between the West Bank and Jerusalem, thereby jeopardizing the viability of an independent, contiguous Palestinian state.

The council reiterated its condemnation of violations and acts of violence committed by settlers against Palestinians and their property with the support of Israeli occupation authorities.

Calling for immediate global action, the council urged the international community to assume its responsibilities by halting illegal settlement expansion, protecting the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights, and achieving a just and comprehensive solution that secures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

//Petra// AF