31 countries slam Netanyahu over “Greater Israel” threats
Thirty-one Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement strongly condemning 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for remarks about a so-called “Greater Israel,” describing them as a threat to Arab security, sovereignty, regional stability, and international law.
The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries - including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia - along with the secretary-generals of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The statement also denounced 'Israeli' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s approval of settlement expansion in the E1 area and his rejection of a Palestinian state. They stressed that such actions violate international law, UN resolutions, and the Palestinians’ right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
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The countries warned against 'Israel’s' settlement policies, annexation attempts, and ongoing attacks in the occupied West Bank, including settler violence, incursions into Palestinian cities, destruction of refugee camps, displacement, and threats to Christian and Islamic holy sites. They emphasized these policies fuel cycles of violence and undermine peace prospects.
The statement reaffirmed rejection of displacement of Palestinians, demanded an end to the blockade of Gaza, and called for unrestricted humanitarian aid to the Strip. They also stressed the need for a ceasefire, accountability for 'Israeli' violations, and support for reconstruction efforts.
Finally, the ministers urged the international community, particularly UN Security Council members, to pressure 'Israel' to halt its aggression and inflammatory rhetoric, and to support Palestinians’ right to establish an independent, sovereign state, with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as their sole legitimate representative.
