Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israeli decision to deepen control in West Bank

ABU DHABI/RIYADH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Tuesday jointly condemned Israel's decision to designate lands in the occupied West Bank as so-called "state land."

In a statement, the ministers denounced Israel's approval of land ownership registration and settlement procedures in large parts of the territory, saying the move is an illegal escalation to expand settlements and cement Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian land.

They said the measures constitute a flagrant violation of international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334.

The ministers stated that the move violates an International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which affirmed the illegality of altering the territory's status and stressed the obligation to end the occupation.

According to the statement, the move undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and the efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

The ministers reiterated their rejection of all unilateral measures to change the legal, demographic and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that such actions would further heighten tensions and instability.

They also urged the international community to take decisive action to end the violations and protect the Palestinian people's inalienable rights, including their right to an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. ■