Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has blatantly violated international law with his statements, “which included directives to prepare the necessary infrastructure for the annexation of the occupied West Bank”, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry says, Al Jazeera reports.

“Qatar considers these statements a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, as well as a dangerous escalation that undermines the prospects for peace in the region, particularly amid the ongoing brutal war on the Gaza Strip and its horrific consequences,” it said in a statement.

The ministry emphasised “the urgent need for the international community to firmly oppose the Israeli occupation’s settlement, colonial and racist policies”.