By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korea on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” over illegal settlements in the West Bank, and called for the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza, the Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed concerns to Israel over its move to build Jewish settlements in the West Bank, noting that it undermines the two-state solution, according to a statement from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry.
Cho made the remarks during his first phone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Cho "voiced deep concern over settlement construction and other measures undermining the two-state solution," the statement said.
"He expressed concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging efforts by the parties concerned to improve conditions on the ground, including through an early ceasefire," it added.
Since the start of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, at least 1,016 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and illegal settlers, according to the Health Ministry.
In an advisory opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Israeli army has launched a brutal military offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 63,600 Palestinians in Gaza. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.