Muslim Nations Condemn Israel's Annexation of West Bank

Strategic Insights -

A joint statement from 17 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, has condemned Israel's latest move to impose its sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, calling it a "blatant violation of international law". The statement, issued by the Foreign Office, denounced the Israel's Knesset's approval of two draft laws aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank and recognizing illegal settlements. The signatory nations and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), accused Tel Aviv of deliberately attempting to alter the demographic composition and status of Palestinian land in violation of international law.

Key Takeaways:

  • 17 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, signed the joint statement condemning Israel's annexation of the West Bank.
  • The statement accused Israel of violating international law and attempting to alter the demographic composition and status of Palestinian land.
  • The signatory nations and regional organizations denounced the Israel's Knesset's approval of two draft laws aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank and recognizing illegal settlements.
  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had previously issued an advisory opinion in 2025 reaffirming Israel's obligations under international law, including the prohibition on using starvation as a method of warfare and the duty to refrain from mass deportations.
  • The ICJ also reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and independent statehood.
  • Israel's territorial claim over East Jerusalem was deemed "null and void" by the ICJ.

Statistics:

  • 17 countries signed the joint statement condemning Israel's annexation of the West Bank.
  • 2 major regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), denounced the Israel's Knesset's approval of the draft laws.
  • October 22, 2025, refers to the date when the International Court of Justice issued its advisory opinion affirming Israel's obligations under international law.
  • The ICJ's advisory opinion reaffirmed the prohibition on using starvation as a method of warfare.

Sources:

  • Joint statement issued by the Foreign Office, attributed to 17 countries and 2 regional organizations.
  • International Court of Justice advisory opinion, issued on October 22, 2025.