ANKARA/BAGHDAD, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye and Iraq have condemned the Israeli government's approval of a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.
"We strongly condemn Israel's decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967. This decision is a new stage in Israel's goal of expanding its borders through occupation," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The ministry also expressed concern over Israel's recent actions in Syria, including its alleged violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by entering the area of separation, advancing into adjacent areas, and conducting airstrikes in the country.
"These steps by Israel are a source of grave concern. They seriously undermine efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria and further increase tensions in the region," the statement added.
Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemns on Sunday the Israeli decision as a "blatant violation of international law and the UN resolutions."
"The Golan is an occupied Syrian territory and any measures aimed at changing its legal and demographic status are null and void," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry reiterated Iraq's firm and supportive position on the rights of Syria to restore its full sovereignty over its territories.
The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel. ■
