Foreign Ministers Condemn Israel’s West Bank Designation Decision

Senior foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint condemnation following Israel’s decision to designate lands in occupied West Bank as “state land.” In their statement, these diplomats declared the Israeli move an escalating act aimed at intensifying illegal settlement activities, confiscating Palestinian land, and consolidating Israeli control over the region.

The ministers underscored that this unilateral step violated international law and humanitarian standards. Specifically, they pointed to Israel’s approval of procedures for registering and settling ownership across vast areas in occupied West Bank since 1967—a move seen as a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a dereliction of United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334.

Additionally, ministers highlighted that this decision contradicted advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice. The court’s ruling stressed the illegality of measures altering the historical, demographic, and legal status quo in occupied territories and emphasized Israel’s obligation to cease occupation and establish an independent Palestinian State by June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers articulated their strong opposition to such unilateral actions that seek to alter this legal status. They warned these policies would exacerbate tensions and instability within the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as across the Middle East region.

In response, the foreign ministers called for immediate intervention by the international community. They urged countries to take decisive action to stop these violations, respect international law, and safeguard the rights of the Palestinian people. These rights include their inalienable right to self-determination, an end to occupation, and establishment of a sovereign independent State on June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers’ response was swift, clear, and unequivocal, reflecting their commitment to upholding international norms and supporting the Palestinians. This stance underscores the ongoing struggle for justice in occupied territories and aims to preserve long-term peace in the region.