In a joint statement, the top diplomats from Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia reiterated their condemnation of the violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property. 

The statement follows the Israeli regime's decision to open bidding to establish 1,234 new settlement homes on Tuesday in the strategically important E1 area of the occupied West Bank, as part of a larger plan for 3,401 housing units linking East al-Quds and the illegal Ma’ale Adumim settlement.

They stressed that such acts in no way diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and constitute violations of international law and relevant UN resolutions, while posing a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

The ministers warned that the “E1” settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly between the West Bank and East al-Quds, thereby threatening the viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines with East al-Quds as its capital. 

They affirmed that such actions constitute a direct challenge to international efforts, foremost among them US President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan, that aim to achieve peace and unequivocally reject annexation and forced displacement.

The ministers also stressed that Israeli actions also directly challenge the mechanisms envisaged for the plan’s implementation, including through the Board of Peace.

They described Israel's actions as contradicting the US President’s firm commitment to preventing the annexation of the West Bank to achieve stability and bring the conflict to an end.

They warned that actions aimed at undermining this solution risk further escalating tensions, threatening regional and international peace and security, and jeopardizing prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region.

The ministers emphasized their support for all efforts to ensure accountability, including through appropriate international measures and via sanctions against entities and individuals responsible for illegal settlement activities, including the “E1” settlement plan. 

They also urged punitive measures against those supporting, facilitating, or implementing policies of settlement expansion and annexation. 

The foreign ministers called for ending any support or financing that contributes to the establishment, expansion, or entrenchment of illegal settlements. They stressed that the lack of accountability exacerbates violations and further undermines prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.

They called for immediate action to halt the “E1” settlement plan, rescind all measures taken in connection with it, and cease all settlement activities and other measures aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

The ministers further called on the UN Security Council, all states, and relevant international actors to uphold their responsibilities under international law and take urgent and effective measures to halt illegal settlement expansion.

Additionally, the ministers called on the international community to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people and safeguard their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and an independent state according to international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Source: AhramOnline