Kuwait city: Thirty-one Arab and Muslim countries, including Kuwait, condemned in strong terms the recent statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning the notion of "Greater Israel." "These statements represent a grave disregard for, and a blatant and dangerous violation of, the rules of international law and the foundations of stable international relations," reads a joint statement by foreign ministers from these nations, alongside the Secretaries-General of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the joint declaration highlighted that the remarks pose a direct threat to Arab national security, state sovereignty, and both regional and international peace and security. The ministers underscored their commitment to international legitimacy and the United Nations Charter, specifically Article 2, paragraph 4, which prohibits the use or threat of force. They vowed to adopt measures that ensure peace, serving the interests of all states and peoples in achieving security, stability, and development, without resorting to domination or force.
The statement also criticized the approval by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich of a settlement plan in the "E1" area and his statements against the establishment of a Palestinian state. These actions were deemed a blatant violation of international law and an assault on the Palestinian right to an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of the settlement plan and all Israeli measures seen as breaches of international law, including Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns Israeli settlement activities. They referenced the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the illegality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory and the need for immediate cessation and reparations.
The declaration warned of the dangers of Israeli policies aimed at annexing Palestinian lands and the ongoing expansionist settlement policy in the Occupied West Bank. They emphasized the threat posed by actions targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as settler terrorism and incursions into Palestinian areas.
The statement cautioned against ideological and racist rhetoric, which could further fuel conflict and destabilize regional and global security. Additionally, the foreign ministers condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to counter what they describe as a policy of systematic starvation.
They strongly rejected any displacement of Palestinians and urged the international community to pressure Israel to cease aggression, withdraw from Gaza, and create conditions for recovery and reconstruction efforts. They called on the Security Council's permanent members, notably the United States, to fulfill their responsibilities and take action against Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The statement, signed by foreign ministers from a wide range of countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as representatives from key regional organizations, concluded with a call for accountability for crimes and violations against the Palestinian people.