Britain’s Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, on Monday condemned the Israeli government’s approval of plans to build 19 new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a post on social media platform X, Falconer said the settlements are illegal under international law, warning that the move risks undermining the “20-point plan” and damaging prospects for lasting peace and security, which he said can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan on Sunday to establish 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a step widely seen as likely to further escalate tensions in the Palestinian territories.