Doha: Nineteen countries, along with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have issued a joint statement condemning recent Israeli decisions that significantly expand its control over the West Bank. The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Egypt, Jordan, Luxembourg, Norway, Palestine, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Trkiye, and the Secretary Generals of the Arab League and OIC voiced strong opposition to these actions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the joint statement describes the Israeli decisions as extensive, involving the reclassification of Palestinian land as Israeli state land, accelerating settlement activities, and further embedding Israeli authority. The ministers assert that these actions violate international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. They argue that these moves aim to alter the ground realities and push towards de facto annexation, undermining peace efforts and regional integration.
The statement highlights the approval of the E1 project and its tender publication as examples of the rapid expansion of Israeli settlement policy. The ministers reject any attempts to modify the demographic composition of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and oppose annexation in any form.
Further, the ministers call for an end to settler violence against Palestinians and urge Israel to hold accountable those responsible. They reaffirm their commitment to countering the expansion of illegal settlements and policies of displacement and annexation, in line with international law.
In the context of Ramadan, the statement emphasizes the need to preserve the status quo in Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, acknowledging the Hashemite custodianship's role. The ministers condemn violations of Jerusalem's status quo, citing risks to regional stability.
Additionally, they demand Israel release withheld tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, as per the Paris Protocol, which are crucial for providing essential services to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Finally, the statement reiterates the commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Two-State Solution, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. The ministers underscore that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential for regional peace, stability, and integration, advocating for an independent Palestinian State as a pathway to coexistence.