31 Arab, Islamic Countries, Arab League, OIC, GCC Strongly Reject “Greater Israel Vision”
The foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the secretaries-general of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have strongly condemned recent statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the so-called “Greater Israel Vision.”
What Happened?
These statements, shared by Israeli media, suggest a plan for expanding Israel’s territory across Palestinian lands. The ministers said this idea ignores international law and threatens peace and security for Arab countries and the whole region.
Who Signed the Statement?
This joint statement was released by representatives from countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, and 22 others, along with the leadership of key international Arab and Islamic organizations.
Main Points of the Statement
- The officials declared that Israel, as an occupying power, has no sovereignty over Palestinian territory.
- They called Netanyahu’s remarks and recent settlement plans a direct violation of international law and a major threat to Arab national security, state sovereignty, and international stability.
- The group strongly rejected the approval by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich of a new settlement plan in the E1 area near Jerusalem and his remarks against the creation of a Palestinian state.
- They denounced all settlement activities and stressed the necessity of respecting 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Call for International Action
The statement urges the world, especially United Nations Security Council members and the United States, to:
- Pressure Israel to stop attacks on Gaza and the West Bank.
- End provocative official statements and policies.
- Provide international protection to the Palestinian people.
- Ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the opening of border crossings.
- Help rebuild Gaza and support a plan for early recovery and reconstruction.
The ministers also reaffirmed their absolute rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians, called for full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and demanded accountability for violations against Palestinian rights.
Final Message
The leaders stated that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory. They support the Palestinian Authority’s governance over Gaza and the West Bank, aiming for one system and rule of law, with international and Arab support.
They called on the international community to take its legal and moral responsibilities seriously to end the conflict and help Palestinians achieve their legitimate right to an independent and sovereign state.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar, Arab News, KUNA, Turkish MFA, Al Jazeera, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar.
