Joint Statement by Foreign Ministers and Secretaries‑General Condemning Recent Israeli Decisions in the West Bank
The foreign ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Finland, the French Republic, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of Norway, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the Portuguese Republic, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Slovenia, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Turkey, and the secretaries‑general of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
— condemn with the utmost firmness a series of recent Israeli decisions that dramatically expand the illegal control of the Zionist entity over the West Bank.
Scope of the Changes
- Re‑classification of Palestinian land as “state land” belonging to the Zionist entity
- Acceleration of illegal settlement activity
- Strengthening of Israeli administrative structures
These measures constitute a clear violation of international law, including previous United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
Intent and Impact
The latest decisions are part of a manifest strategy to alter facts on the ground and pursue an unacceptable de‑facto annexation. They undermine peace and stability initiatives—most notably the 20‑point Gaza Plan—and jeopardize any realistic prospect of meaningful regional integration.
Calls to Israel
- Immediately reverse the contested decisions.
- Respect international obligations and refrain from any action that permanently changes the legal and administrative status of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The statements follow an unprecedented acceleration of Israel’s settlement policy, highlighted by the approval of the E1 project and the publication of its tender. Such actions are a deliberate, direct attack on the viability of a Palestinian state and the two‑state solution.
Rejection of Demographic and Territorial Changes
- Reject all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, or status of the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
- Oppose any form of annexation.
In light of the alarming escalation in the West Bank, the ministers also urge the Zionist entity to end settler‑perpetrated violence against Palestinians and to prosecute those responsible.
Commitment to Counter‑Settlement Expansion
The signatories reaffirm their determined commitment to take concrete, law‑compliant steps to counter the expansion of illegal settlements, forced‑displacement policies, and annexation threats.
Ramadan Appeal & Jerusalem Status Quo
During the holy month of Ramadan, the ministers stress the importance of preserving the historic‑legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, acknowledging the special role of the Hashemite custodianship.
- Condemn repeated violations of the Jerusalem status quo, which threaten regional stability.
Fiscal Obligations
- Demand immediate payment by the Zionist entity of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and currently withheld under the treaty.
- These funds must be transferred to the PA in accordance with the Paris Protocol, as they are essential for providing basic services to the populations of Gaza and the West Bank.
Vision for a Just, Comprehensive, and Sustainable Peace
The ministers reaffirm an unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting Middle‑East peace based on:
- The two‑state solution as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions.
- Borders of June 4 1967.
As highlighted in the New York Declaration, ending the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict is indispensable for regional peace, stability, and integration. Only the establishment of an independent, sovereign, democratic Palestinian state will enable coexistence among peoples and states in the region.
— According to the press release
