Türkiye has welcomed a decision by 12 countries to take action against trade and economic activities linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling for stronger international measures against Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Presidency’s Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran said Türkiye welcomed the decision led by the United Kingdom, France and Canada, describing it as an important demonstration that violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories cannot be left without consequences.

In a statement, Duran said the decision represented a significant step toward holding Israel accountable for policies that disregard international law and contribute to the expansion of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

“We welcome the decision taken by 12 countries, led by the United Kingdom, France and Canada, against trade and economic activities linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank,” Duran said.

He stressed that the international community must maintain and strengthen its resolve against Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

“This decision is of great significance, as it demonstrates that practices disregarding international law in the occupied Palestinian territories do not go unanswered,” Duran said.

Duran called on the international community to move beyond statements of concern and take concrete measures against what Türkiye describes as Israel’s unlawful policies toward the Palestinians.

“The international community must strengthen its resolve in this direction and intensify concrete steps against Israel’s unlawful policies,” he said.

The remarks come as Israel’s settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank continues to draw growing international criticism.

The expansion of settlements, land seizures, demolitions and increasing settler violence have heightened concerns among Palestinians and international observers that the territorial and demographic foundations of a future Palestinian state are being systematically undermined.

For Palestinians, international action against settlement-linked economic activity is therefore viewed as an important attempt to prevent the consolidation of an occupation that has continued for decades.

Duran also stressed that international pressure must not be limited to Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank.

He said the same determination must be demonstrated in response to the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the war has caused massive civilian suffering and devastation.

“The demonstration of the same resolve in the face of the ongoing devastation and humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has become an unpostponable responsibility,” he said.

Türkiye has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and international efforts to establish a just and lasting peace.

Ankara has also consistently opposed the displacement of Palestinians and Israel’s attempts to alter the demographic and territorial realities of occupied Palestinian land.

The latest move by the 12 countries represents a growing willingness among several Western governments to take practical steps over Israeli settlement activity.

The United Kingdom, France and Canada have led the initiative, while other countries have joined their call for restrictions on economic activities connected to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The measures come amid mounting international concern over settlement expansion, particularly in strategically sensitive areas surrounding occupied East Jerusalem.

Palestinian officials and rights groups have long warned that settlement construction fragments Palestinian communities, restricts access to land and resources, and threatens the possibility of establishing a geographically viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Duran said Türkiye would continue to advocate for the Palestinian people and work toward justice and peace in the region under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“Guided by the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye will continue to advocate for the rightful cause of the Palestinian people and pursue all efforts required to secure justice and peace in the region,” he said.

The statement reinforces Ankara’s longstanding position that a lasting peace cannot be achieved while the occupation, settlement expansion and denial of Palestinian rights continue.

Türkiye has repeatedly argued that the international community has a responsibility to uphold international law and ensure accountability for actions that undermine Palestinian rights and the prospects for a political settlement.

As international pressure over Israeli settlements grows, Ankara’s latest statement signals its support for translating diplomatic criticism into concrete measures—while emphasizing that the devastation in Gaza demands an equally urgent and determined international response. (ILKHA)