RIYADH (Journos News) – A broad coalition led by Saudi Arabia has condemned what it described as sweeping Israeli measures to expand control in the occupied West Bank, warning that the moves undermine prospects for a two-state solution and risk further destabilizing the region.
In a joint statement issued Monday, foreign ministers from more than a dozen countries, alongside the secretaries-general of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, criticized recent Israeli decisions that reclassify Palestinian land and advance settlement activity. The group said such actions violate international law and run counter to longstanding diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The coordinated response underscores growing international concern over developments in the West Bank at a time when regional tensions remain high and diplomatic initiatives related to Gaza and broader Middle East integration are ongoing.
Broad International Rejection of Settlement Moves
The statement was endorsed by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkiye, Brazil, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
The ministers said recent Israeli decisions “reclassify Palestinian land as so-called Israeli ‘state land,’ accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration.”
They described Israeli settlements as illegal under international law, citing previous United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. Israel disputes the characterization of settlements as illegal, arguing that the status of the territories should be resolved through negotiations.
According to the joint statement, the measures form part of what the signatories called a “clear trajectory” aimed at altering realities on the ground and advancing what they termed unacceptable “de facto annexation.” The ministers said such steps weaken ongoing efforts to promote peace and regional stability, including diplomatic proposals linked to Gaza.
Settlement expansion has long been one of the most contentious issues in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Most of the international community considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be occupied territory captured by Israel in 1967. Israel has built numerous settlements there over decades, housing hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens.
Concerns Over E1 Project and Two-State Viability
The ministers pointed specifically to the approval and tender publication of the E1 project, a highly sensitive settlement plan east of Jerusalem. Critics argue that development in the E1 area could further fragment Palestinian territory and complicate the geographic continuity required for a viable Palestinian state.
In their statement, the foreign ministers said such actions amount to “a deliberate and direct attack” on the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of a two-state solution based on the 4 June 1967 lines.
The two-state framework — envisioning Israel and an independent Palestinian state existing side by side — has been a cornerstone of international diplomacy for decades. However, repeated cycles of violence, stalled negotiations and settlement growth have led many observers to question whether the model remains feasible.
The signatories reiterated their opposition to any measures that would alter the demographic composition, character or legal status of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. “We oppose any form of annexation,” the statement said.
Call to Reverse Decisions and Halt Violence
The ministers called on Israel to reverse the recent decisions and respect its international obligations. They urged Israeli authorities to refrain from actions that could permanently change the legal or administrative status of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The statement also raised alarm over escalating violence in the West Bank, describing the situation as “alarming.” The ministers called for an end to settler violence against Palestinians and urged that those responsible be held accountable.
Violence in the West Bank has intensified in recent months, with frequent Israeli military operations, Palestinian attacks and reported incidents involving settlers. Human rights organizations have documented rising casualties and displacement, though Israeli authorities maintain that security operations are aimed at countering militant threats.
The joint statement further stressed the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, particularly during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The ministers recognized the special role of Jordan’s Hashemite custodianship over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem and condemned what they described as repeated violations of the status quo.
Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive and symbolically charged issues in the conflict, with competing claims over sovereignty and access to religious sites central to both Israeli and Palestinian narratives.
Financial Pressures and Regional Stability
Beyond territorial concerns, the coalition urged Israel to release tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority under the Paris Protocol. The ministers said the funds are essential for providing basic services in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel has periodically withheld such revenues in response to political disputes, citing concerns over payments made by the Palestinian Authority to families of prisoners or individuals involved in attacks. Palestinian officials argue that withholding funds exacerbates economic instability and humanitarian pressures.
The joint declaration concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to a “just, comprehensive and lasting peace” based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. The ministers said ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is imperative for broader regional peace, stability and integration.
While statements of condemnation have become a recurring feature of international diplomacy on the conflict, coordinated messaging from a diverse group of countries — including European and Latin American states — signals sustained multilateral concern over the direction of developments in the West Bank.
For now, the diplomatic divide over settlements and annexation remains unresolved, reflecting deeper disagreements about territory, security and sovereignty that have shaped the conflict for more than half a century.
Source: Arab News – Saudi Arabia and other countries condemn Israeli decisions over extending control in West Bank
