ISTANBUL, December 16. /TASS/. Turkey strongly condemns Israel’s decision to expand its unlawful settlements in the Golan Heights, stating that it threatens ongoing efforts to establish peace and stability in Syria, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We strongly denounce Israel’s decision to extend its illegal settlements in the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967. This decision marks a new phase in Israel’s strategy to expand its borders through occupation," the statement read, as published on the ministry’s website.

"Israel’s actions significantly undermine efforts to establish peace and stability in Syria and exacerbate tensions in the region," the ministry added.

The Foreign Ministry urged the international community to intervene against Israel’s actions and to "halt the unlawful measures of [Benjamin] Netanyahu’s government."