UAE, Arab and Muslim Nations condemn sovereignty declaration over West Bank

The United Arab Emirates, along with a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations, has strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s recent approval of a declaration seeking to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) denounced the move as a clear violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. These resolutions explicitly reject attempts to legitimise occupation or settlements in Palestinian territories seized since 1967.

The statement reaffirmed that Israel holds no legal sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It also declared that unilateral actions taken by Israel carry no legal weight and cannot alter the internationally recognised status of these areas.

The group warned that such actions risk further escalating tensions in the region and urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take swift action to halt Israel’s attempts to enforce its control by force.

The countries reiterated their unwavering support for a two-state solution, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Separately, Oman issued its own condemnation, with the Foreign Ministry stating that the Knesset’s move constitutes a direct challenge to international law and ongoing peace efforts in the region. The statement, published via the Oman News Agency, criticised Israel’s continued enforcement of blockades and its obstruction of essential aid to Gaza and other occupied areas.

Oman held Israel and its supporters responsible for the humanitarian, legal and political repercussions of these policies, which it said are in breach of international humanitarian law.