Spain condemns Israel's new West Bank settlements as illegal

Spain has strongly criticised Israel's approval of 22 new West Bank settlements, calling the move a violation of international law.

In a Friday statement, the Spanish foreign ministry warned: "The settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, undermine the viability of the two-state solution, and are a threat to peace." Madrid said the expansion jeopardises regional peace prospects.

Spanish officials also expressed their "deepest dismay" over escalating Israeli military operations near Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps. The government condemned home demolitions, settler violence and mass displacements as violations of international humanitarian law.