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Foreign ministers

Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Israeli Settlements and Gaza Blockade

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, as well as the secretaries-general of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), issued a joint statement condemning Israeli settlements and the blockade of the Gaza Strip. They rejected the Israeli government's "Greater Israel Vision" as a gross disregard for international law and a direct threat to regional and international security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint statement stressed that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a blatant violation of international law and a threat to Arab national security, the sovereignty of states, and regional and international security and peace.
  • The foreign ministers condemned the approval by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the settlement plan in the E1 area and his extremist racist statements rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.
  • They reaffirmed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which emphasized the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and the necessity of ending it immediately.
  • The Ministers warned of the danger of Israeli intentions and policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territories and perpetuating a cycle of violence and conflict in the region.
  • They reiterated their rejection and condemnation of crimes of Israeli aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, and called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring unconditional access to humanitarian aid.
  • They reaffirmed their complete and absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people in any form and under any pretext, and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its aggression and fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

Statistics:

  • 31 Arab and Islamic countries were represented in the joint statement.
  • The Israeli settlement plan in the E1 area has been approved by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
  • The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion emphasizing the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory.
  • The Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and the State of Palestine must assume governance responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Sources:

  • Joint statement of the foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
  • Statement of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.
  • Statement of the Secretary-General of the OIC.
  • Statement of the Secretary-General of the GCC.
  • Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

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