Arab and Muslim Foreign Ministers Condemn Israeli Move on West Bank

GOOBJOOG NEWS|JORDAN: A group of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers has strongly condemned an Israeli decision aimed at formally recognizing parts of the West Bank as “Israeli territory,” warning that the move violates international law and threatens prospects for a two-state solution.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey said the step would, for the first time since 1967, legally register ownership of land in the occupied West Bank, in clear breach of international law.

The ministers stressed that any action altering the legal and political status of occupied territory is unlawful and would further inflame tensions, undermining hopes for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

They also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and major powers, to take urgent steps to halt the Israeli decision and safeguard the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as previously agreed international frameworks.

The countries reaffirmed their full support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

They described Israel’s move to expand and formalize control over occupied land as one that pushes further away any realistic prospect of a durable political settlement and poses risks to broader regional stability.