Arab And Islamic Foreign Ministers Condemn Israeli Prime Minister's Statements On Greater Israel And Settlements

Foreign Ministers from several countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, and Bangladesh, along with the Secretary-Generals of the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, have strongly condemned statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These statements about "Greater Israel" are seen as a severe violation of international law and a threat to regional peace.

The ministers emphasised their commitment to international legitimacy and the UN Charter, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, which prohibits force or threats. They plan to adopt measures that promote peace and stability for all nations. This approach aims to avoid domination through power and ensure security and development.

They also criticised Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich's approval of a settlement plan in the "E1" area and his rejection of a Palestinian state. Such actions are viewed as violations of international law and an attack on Palestinians' rights to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The ministers reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories.

The group reiterated their rejection of illegal Israeli measures that breach international law and Security Council resolutions like Resolution 2334. This resolution condemns Israeli settlement activities aimed at changing the demographic makeup of occupied territories since 1967. They also highlighted the International Court of Justice's opinion on the illegality of Israel's occupation.

The ministers warned against Israeli policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territory. They expressed concern over settlement expansions in the West Bank, attacks on holy sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque, settler violence, and incursions into Palestinian areas. These actions are seen as fueling conflict cycles and hindering peace prospects.

They cautioned against relying on ideological delusions that could escalate conflicts unpredictably, threatening regional stability. The ministers condemned Israel's acts of aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. They called for a ceasefire in Gaza and unconditional humanitarian access to end starvation policies used as a weapon.

Call for International Action

The ministers demanded lifting Israel's blockade on Gaza and opening crossings to address health system collapses caused by Israeli actions. They rejected any form of Palestinian displacement and urged global pressure on Israel to stop its aggression and withdraw from Gaza.

They stressed that Gaza is part of occupied Palestinian territory and called for Palestine to govern it with Arab and international support under one authority. The ministers urged the international community, especially Security Council members like the US, to compel Israel to halt aggression in Gaza and the West Bank.

They called for protection for Palestinians and accountability for crimes against them while supporting their right to establish an independent state on their land.

With inputs from SPA