The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has denounced the Israeli occupation government's decision to establish a local council for the illegal settlements of " Etz Efraim" and "Sha'arei Tikva" in the occupied West Bank. 

In a press statement on Tuesday evening, Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said that the Israeli occupation's move comes as part of an effort to legalise settlements and perpetuate colonialism of the stolen Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers have grabbed. 

Barhoum called on all segments of the Palestinian people to continue defending their lands and confront all plots orchestrated by the Israeli occupation targeting their rights. 

"This policy means that the Israeli occupation government has blatantly violated international laws as it insists on infringing upon the Palestinian people's rights," Barhoum pointed out.   
    
The Hamas spokesperson called on the international community and regional decision makers to work on criminlising this aggressive Israeli conduct and back the Palestinians' legitimate struggle for their rights.