Muscat, August 21 (QNA) - The Sultanate of Oman condemned Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

In a statement, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said these unilateral and illegal measures constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

It added that they also undermine the international community's efforts to achieve a two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

The ministry said settlement expansion would undermine prospects for peace and deepen instability in the region, contrary to the international community's goal of achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

Oman called on the international community to adopt a unified position condemning these measures and to take practical and tangible steps to ensure accountability in accordance with international law. It also stressed the need for Israel to fulfill its legal obligations and immediately halt all settlement activities.

The Sultanate of Oman affirmed that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through respect for international law and the preservation of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and to establish their independent state. (QNA)