Eight Arab and Muslim nations issued a forceful rebuke of Israel's recent security cabinet decisions to expand control over the West Bank, calling the measures a direct threat to regional stability. The coordinated condemnation on Monday follows Israel's approval of controversial policies including revived land acquisition committees and eased property transaction rules for Jewish settlers.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar declared the moves "blatant violations of international law" in a joint statement. They emphasized that Israel maintains "no sovereignty" over occupied Palestinian territories and warned that expanded settlement activity undermines the two-state solution framework.
Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh urged emergency sessions of the Arab League Council, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and UN Security Council, describing the Israeli measures as dangerous escalations. Analysts note the February 8 cabinet decisions mark Israel's most significant administrative changes in the West Bank since the early 2000s, including the removal of land sale restrictions to settlers.
International law continues to view Israel's West Bank occupation as illegal, with UN data showing over 700,000 Jewish settlers now live in the territory captured during the 1967 Middle East War. Palestinian officials argue these policies systematically erode prospects for statehood through fragmented land control.
The diplomatic push comes as regional tensions approach critical levels, with multiple governments calling for immediate international intervention. Observers suggest the unified response reflects growing concerns about prolonged conflict destabilizing trade routes and energy markets across Asia and the Middle East.
