Russia on Monday criticized a "counterproductive" decision by the Zionist entity to invite bids to build nearly 1,200 settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem on the eve of planned peace talks.

Russia on Monday criticized a "counterproductive" decision by the Zionist entity to invite bids to build nearly 1,200 settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem on the eve of planned peace talks.

"The announcement of such plans on the eve of a new round of negotiations due to be held in Jerusalem on August 14 ... is a counterproductive step that complicates the atmosphere of the talks," the Russian ministry statement said.

The Russian foreign ministry said Moscow was "seriously concerned" by the move.

In a decision that infuriated the Palestinians, the Zionist housing ministry said on Sunday it would be publishing tenders for 793 units in east Jerusalemand 394 elsewhere in the West Bank.