Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Israeli Settlement Expansion and Rejection of Palestinian Statehood
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a vehement condemnation of Israel’s recent approval of new settlement constructions around occupied Jerusalem and the Israeli Foreign Minister’s statements opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. In a strongly worded statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia described these actions as flagrant violations of international law and a direct threat to the prospects of a two-state solution.
The Saudi government emphasized that Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contravenes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2234 (2016), which explicitly demands a halt to such activities and reaffirms the illegality of settlements in territories occupied since 1967. The statement also referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which deemed Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territories invalid and called for an end to the occupation.
“The decisions and statements by the Israeli government underscore its continued pursuit of illegal expansionist policies, undermining the peace process and jeopardizing the rights of the Palestinian people,” the Foreign Ministry declared. Saudi Arabia urged the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, to take immediate action to hold Israel accountable for its violations, including what it described as “crimes amounting to genocide” in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Kingdom reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. It called for global pressure to compel Israel to cease its aggression, comply with UN resolutions, and end its occupation of Palestinian lands.
The statement concluded with a demand for the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations by recognizing the Palestinian state and ensuring justice for the Palestinian people.
