Saudi Arabia and Muslim Nations Condemn Israeli Move to Extend Sovereignty Over West Bank

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Riyadh – A coalition of Arab and Islamic countries, led by Saudi Arabia, has strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s recent declaration to assert sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, calling it a clear breach of international law and a serious threat to regional stability.

The condemnation, jointly issued by countries including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as major regional bodies such as the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), described Israel’s move as legally invalid and a provocation that undermines global peace efforts.

The joint statement emphasized that the Israeli parliament’s move directly contradicts United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 2334 (2016)—all of which reaffirm the illegality of Israeli occupation and settlement activity in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

“Israel has no legal authority over the occupied West Bank. These attempts to legitimize the occupation are null and void and carry no international standing,” the statement declared.

The signatory countries warned that the Knesset’s declaration could further inflame tensions across the Middle East, particularly amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region’s modern history.

“These reckless policies deepen instability and obstruct international efforts toward a ceasefire and long-term peace,” the OIC said in its response.

Calling on the UN Security Council and other international stakeholders, the countries urged immediate diplomatic action to halt what they described as “illegal Israeli expansionism.” They warned that continued violations of international law will jeopardize any chance of a two-state solution.

“The international community must confront this challenge decisively to preserve the prospects of peace and justice in the Middle East,” the Arab League said in its statement.

All parties reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and other internationally recognized frameworks.

“We remain committed to a comprehensive and lasting peace through the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state,” read the statement signed by the coalition.

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