The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, in a dispatch, that this measure is a provocation as the announcement was made the same day that a conference sponsored by the Arab League in support of Jerusalem was held in Cairo.

The text warned that Tel Aviv authorities’ initiative would increase the already existing tension in the occupied territories.

Given this situation, the Foreign Ministry demanded the immediate cessation of Israel’s unilateral acts, including the demolition of properties, arrests, and incursions against the Palestinian people.

Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also denounced the Israeli decision on Monday.

Those actions represent “an open war against the Palestinian people and require an immediate international intervention,” he said.

According to several sources, more than 450,000 Israeli settlers live in 132 settlements and 147 outposts across the West Bank; and 200,000 others in East Jerusalem.

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