Saudi Arabia And Arab League Strongly Condemn Israeli Knesset's Approval Of Sovereignty Laws Over Occupied West Bank

Several countries and organisations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Djibouti, Oman, The Gambia, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset's approval of two draft laws. These laws aim to impose "Israeli sovereignty" over the occupied West Bank and illegal settlements.

The international community views these actions as a clear violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. Resolution 2334 specifically condemns any Israeli efforts to change the demographic composition or status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. This includes East Jerusalem. The International Court of Justice has also affirmed the illegality of Israel's occupation and settlement activities in these areas.

The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on October 22, 2025, was welcomed by these nations and organisations. It reaffirmed Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure essential supplies for the population in occupied Palestinian territories (OPT), including Gaza. Israel is required to facilitate relief efforts through entities like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The court highlighted Israel's duty to respect prohibitions against using starvation as a tactic. It recalled instances where aid was blocked into Gaza and reiterated that mass forcible transfer or deportation is prohibited. The court also reaffirmed Palestinians' right to self-determination and independent statehood.

The countries urge the global community to take responsibility by compelling Israel to halt its unilateral actions in Palestinian territories. They stress that upholding Palestinians' rights to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region.

Israel's territorial claims over East Jerusalem have been declared "null and void" by the Security Council. This includes laws attempting to cease UNRWA operations in East Jerusalem. The continuation of Israel’s policies poses a threat to regional stability.

With inputs from SPA