FNA- The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the construction of new Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, and called for an immediate stop to the building operations.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi described continued building of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories as against the international laws, and deplored it.

He called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime which has violated the UN approvals and resolutions and prevent continued implementation of the aggressive and expansionist policies of the regime.

In a pointed act of defiance against international pressure,�Israel�on Tuesday approved a huge new wave of settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.

The announcement made clear that just a few days into the Trump presidency, the Israeli government feels emboldened to shake off the constraints imposed by the Obama administration and more willing to disregard the international condemnation and resolutions.