Friday, October 24, 2025
16 Nations Reject Israeli Sovereignty Over Occupied West Bank and Settlements
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Djibouti, Sultanate of Oman, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait, State of Libya, Malaysia, Arab Republic of Egypt, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Gambia, along with the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two draft laws that aim to impose so-called Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and illegal Israeli settlements. Most Viewed: Rise in physical activity in Saudi Arabia with Vision 2030 goals
The countries said these actions clearly break international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2334, which opposes any Israeli actions that alter the demographic, legal, or political situation of Palestinian areas taken since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
They also referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirming that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land is illegal, and that all settlement construction and land annexation in the occupied West Bank are invalid. These nations reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories.
Support for the International Court of Justice Ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion on October 22, 2025, that specified Israel's legal obligations with regard to the occupied Palestinian territories. These nations expressed their support of this perspective. In accordance with international humanitarian law, the court highlighted that Israel is obligated to ensure that Palestinians, including those in the Gaza Strip, have access to basic life necessities.
It also affirmed that Israel must permit and facilitate humanitarian relief efforts, particularly those that are coordinated by the United Nations and its agencies, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Recommend: Saudi Arabia arrests multiple government employees
Violations and Humanitarian Concerns
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) underscored that Israel is prohibited from employing starvation as a weapon of war, and it also noted that Israel continues to obstruct humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. The court also reaffirmed the prohibition of mass forced displacement and issued a warning against the creation of unlivable conditions for Palestinians.
The ruling further reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. It reminded that the UN Security Council has already declared Israel’s claim of sovereignty over East Jerusalem as “null and void.”
This includes the so-called “Law to Stop UNRWA Operations in the Territories of the State of Israel,” which Israel claims applies to East Jerusalem—a claim rejected under international law.
Call for International Action
The participating countries warned against Israel’s ongoing unilateral and illegal actions and called on the international community to take its legal and moral responsibility seriously. They urged global powers to pressure Israel to end its escalation, occupation, and violations in Palestinian territories.
The statement reaffirmed the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They stressed that this is the only path to achieving a just and comprehensive peace, ensuring security and stability for the entire region. Trending: Four new online services launched in Absher platform
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| 16 Nations Reject Israeli Sovereignty Over Occupied West Bank and Settlements |
