The foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, along with the secretaries-general of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements about so-called “Greater Israel,” considering them “a violation of international law and a direct threat to Arab national security and regional and international peace.” .

Netanyahu: flagrant violations

This came in a joint statement issued on Friday 15 August by the foreign ministers of 21 Arab countries, including Palestine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Djibouti, and the Comoros.

The statement also included the foreign ministers of ten other Islamic countries, most notably Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, in addition to representatives from Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad, Gambia, and the Maldives.

The statement affirmed that Netanyahu’s remarks represent “a flagrant violation of the rules of international law and the United Nations Charter,” stressing the signatory countries’ rejection of policies of force and domination and their commitment to the option of a just and comprehensive peace.

In the same context, the ministers condemned Israel Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s approval of the settlement plan in the “E1” area, considering it “a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334,” which criminalizes settlement in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

The statement also reiterated the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the Israeli occupation, warning of “the danger of Israeli policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territories and expanding settlements, including attempts to undermine Islamic and Christian holy sites, foremost among them Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The ministers noted that the practices of settlers, daily incursions into Palestinian cities and camps, systematic destruction and displacement of residents “directly contribute to fueling the conflict and undermining the chances of achieving peace.”

Widespread condemnation

On the issue of Gaza, the statement reiterated its condemnation of “Israel’s ongoing aggression and its acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing,” stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and an end to the Israeli blockade of the Strip.

The ministers affirmed their absolute rejection of the displacement of Palestinians under any pretext and held Israel, as the occupying power, fully responsible for the consequences of its crimes in Gaza, including the collapse of the health and relief systems.

They also called on the international community, especially the Security Council and the United States, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities, compel Israel to cease its aggression, and enable the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights, foremost among which is the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

This post was originally published on Canary.