Foreign ministers from 20 countries, alongside the secretaries general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States (LAS), issued a sweeping joint statement condemning Israel’s accelerated efforts to expand unlawful control over the occupied West Bank.

The signatories — including Türkiye, Brazil, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Indonesia, Ireland, and the State of Palestine — expressed “the strongest terms” of condemnation over a series of recent Israeli decisions they say reclassify Palestinian land as so-called Israeli “state land,” accelerate settlement activity, and further entrench Israeli administration across the territory.

“Flagrant Violation of International Law”

The ministers described Israeli settlements as a “flagrant violation of international law,” citing previous United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

According to the statement, the measures represent a “clear trajectory” aimed at altering realities on the ground and advancing what they termed unacceptable “de facto annexation.” The group warned that such steps undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability, including the recently proposed “20-Point Plan for Gaza.”

They called on the Israeli government to immediately reverse the measures and refrain from any action that would permanently alter the legal and administrative status of the occupied Palestinian Territory.

E1 Project Sparks Alarm

Particular concern was raised over the approval and tendering of the controversial E1 settlement project, located east of Jerusalem. The ministers described the move as an “unprecedented acceleration” of settlement policy and a “deliberate and direct attack” on the viability of a future Palestinian state.

The E1 corridor is widely viewed by international observers as strategically sensitive, as construction there could fragment the West Bank and further isolate East Jerusalem from surrounding Palestinian areas.

The joint statement reiterated rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, or status of territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. The signatories emphasized their opposition to any form of annexation.

Rising Tensions in the West Bank

Amid what the ministers described as an alarming escalation in the West Bank, they also called on Israel to end settler violence against Palestinians and to ensure accountability for those responsible.

The statement reaffirmed the group’s commitment to taking “concrete steps” — in accordance with international law — to counter settlement expansion and policies or threats involving forcible displacement.

Jerusalem and Ramadan

With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaching, the ministers stressed the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites. They acknowledged the special role of Jordan’s Hashemite custodianship in overseeing Islamic and Christian holy places.

The group condemned what it called repeated violations of the status quo in Jerusalem, warning that such actions threaten broader regional stability.

Withheld Palestinian Revenues

The ministers also urged Israel to release withheld tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority under the Paris Protocol. They described the funds as vital for delivering essential services to Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Renewed Call for Two-State Solution

Reaffirming their commitment to a just and lasting peace, the signatories emphasized that the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential for regional integration and stability.

They reiterated support for the Two-State Solution based on the 4 June 1967 lines, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions. Only the realization of an independent, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state, they said, can ensure coexistence among the region’s peoples and states.

The joint declaration represents one of the most coordinated international diplomatic rebukes of Israeli settlement policy in recent months, signaling mounting global concern over developments in the occupied territories. (ILKHA)