The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the road construction decision approved by the Israeli security cabinet to expand the occupation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. In a statement from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Israel’s action was described as a “clear violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.” The statement warned that the annexation of the Maale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem and the step aiming to isolate Palestinian towns around the settlement from Jerusalem would jeopardize the two-state solution. The statement called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take action to stop Israel’s settlement, annexation, forced displacement, and “ethnic cleansing policies” and to activate accountability mechanisms. The decision to build roads that would expand the occupation in the West Bank was denounced in the statement. Due to Israel’s continuous violation of international law, the statement called for international sanctions against Israel.

DECISION TO EXPAND THE OCCUPATION The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the cabinet had approved the construction of roads around the Maale Adumim settlement, located in the West Bank under occupation and 7 kilometers east of Jerusalem. According to the decision, alternative roads will be opened between Palestinian neighborhoods, Azeriye, Zaim, and Azeriye to Maale Adumim. With these steps, it is envisioned that Palestinians will be prevented from using the roads leading to Maale Adumim settlement, and these areas will only be available for use by Israelis who illegally seize Palestinian land. The Israeli press reported that the decision will pave the way for Israel to annex the region.