Turkey condemns new Israeli settlements after first political talks

Turkey condemned the Israeli government’s approval of the construction of 3,000 additional units in settlements on occupied Palestinian territories late on Feb. 1.

"Israel’s continuation of such acts that threaten to destroy the basis for a lasting peace, despite the constant warnings of the international community, causes dismay,” read a brief written statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

The statement came on the same day as Turkish and Israeli diplomats carried out their first political consultations in Ankara.  

The Israeli government has approved three separate settlement projects in the last 10 days, despite criticisms from the Palestinians and European countries.