Amman: The foreign ministers of Jordan, alongside several Arab and allied countries, have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's recent decisions to expand its illegal control over the occupied Palestinian territory. These measures, they assert, represent a clear violation of international law and United Nations resolutions, hindering efforts towards a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
According to Jordan News Agency, the statement was co-signed by foreign ministers from countries including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Egypt, Luxembourg, Norway, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, as well as the Secretary Generals of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The group condemns the reclassification of Palestinian land as Israeli "state land" and the acceleration of illegal settlement activity, which they argue further entrenches Israeli control.
The statement highlights these activities as a deliberate attempt to change the reality on the ground, advancing what they describe as an unacceptable de facto annexation. It calls on Israel to reverse these decisions, respect its international obligations, and refrain from actions that would permanently alter the legal and administrative status of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Furthermore, the ministers emphasize the need to end settler violence against Palestinians and hold those responsible accountable. They reaffirm their commitment to countering the expansion of illegal settlements and opposing any form of annexation.
In light of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the statement underscores the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, acknowledging the Hashemite custodianship's special role. It also condemns repeated violations of the status quo, which pose a threat to regional stability.
The ministers urge Israel to release withheld tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, as mandated by the Paris Protocol, to support essential services for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The joint statement concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment to a two-state solution and a lasting peace in the Middle East, essential for regional peace, stability, and integration.