Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement strongly condemning the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law purporting to impose so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank.
Stressing that this measure constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and represents a new step in the policy of imposing a fait accompli on Palestinian territory.
The statement stressed that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.
And that Israel, as an occupying power, has no legal or political legitimacy to annex these lands or impose its sovereignty over them.
The statement considered the move a direct challenge to the international will and the resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly.
Especially Resolutions 242 and 338, which affirm the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force.
Clear condemnation and comprehensive rejection
The statement read:
“We strongly condemn the Knesset’s approval of so-called Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank,
We affirm that Israel’s imposition of its sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories is a flagrant violation of international law.
And undermine any efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
The statement added that the continuation of unilateral and illegal Israeli policies and practices, such as settlements, land confiscation and population displacement,
It will undermine the foundations of the peace process and deepen the state of tension and congestion in the occupied territories.
He also called on Israel to immediately halt all illegal settlement activities.
Warning that ignoring international will will lead to further escalation, violence and instability.
Welcome to the International Court of Justice’s opinion
The statement welcomed the recent opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power, which affirmed the illegality of the occupation and the continued construction of settlements and the separation wall.
Considering that this opinion represents an important legal step towards holding Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international humanitarian law.
The statement called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by taking practical and effective measures to stop Israeli violations.
Including political, diplomatic, and economic pressure, to ensure Israel’s respect for its international obligations.
Unwavering support for the Palestinian cause
The Arab and Islamic countries that signed the statement affirmed their firm and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable legitimate rights.
Foremost among these is the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
She also stressed that true peace will only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
And stop policies that violate international law and UN resolutions.
Interesting timing and political implications
Observers believe that the Israeli Knesset’s approval of this law at this time comes amid escalating regional tensions and a decline in the political settlement process.
In an attempt by the Israeli government to establish new facts on the ground before any potential international move to revive negotiations.
The move also reflects the tendencies of the extreme Israeli right, which seeks to impose complete control over the West Bank.
Amid relative international silence and declining American and European pressure in recent months.
