Amman: In a joint statement, 31 Arab and Islamic nations strongly denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his remarks about the so-called “Greater Israel,” as reported by Israeli media. These remarks are viewed as a direct threat to Arab national security, state sovereignty, and regional and global peace. They also represent a significant breach of the principles of stable international relations and international law.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Foreign Ministers of numerous countries, including Jordan, Algeria, Bahrain, and Bangladesh, among others, issued the statement. The collective emphasized their commitment to adopting policies that promote peace, security, stability, and development, distancing themselves from the use of force. They affirmed respect for international legitimacy and the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, which prohibits the use or threat of force.
The ministers also strongly denounced Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s acceptance of a settlement plan in the E1 area and his remarks against the creation of a Palestinian state. They view this as a violation of international law and an attack on the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Furthermore, they condemned Israeli settlement activities in Palestinian territories, citing Security Council Resolution 2334, which opposes changes to the demographic makeup and legal status of the occupied territories. They reiterated the International Court of Justice’s opinion on the illegality of Israel’s occupation and the need for its immediate cessation.
The statement warned of the dangers posed by Israeli policies, including territory annexation and settlement expansion in the West Bank. It highlighted actions such as settler violence, incursions into Palestinian areas, and attempts to damage religious sites, which perpetuate conflict cycles and threaten regional security.
In parallel, organizations like the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reaffirmed their opposition to ethnic cleansing and genocide. They emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, urging an end to Israel’s blockade and accountability for its actions in the Gaza Strip.
The nations collectively rejected any displacement of Palestinians and called for international pressure on Israel to cease aggression and withdraw from the Gaza Strip. They stressed the importance of Palestinian governance in Gaza and the West Bank, supported by Arab and international entities, under the political framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Finally, they urged the international community, particularly permanent Security Council members, to fulfill their obligations and pressure Israel to halt its escalation in the West Bank and Gaza, protect Palestinian rights, and hold violators accountable.