Saudi Arabia sharply condemned Israeli authorities on Friday for advancing illegal settlement construction near occupied Jerusalem. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement denouncing these actions, criticizing Israeli officials for obstructing internationally supported efforts aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
“These decisions confirm Israel’s illegal expansionist policies and threaten the two-state solution’s very possibility,” the ministry stated firmly. Additionally, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also strongly rejected Israel’s approval of 3,400 new West Bank settlement units, stressing that Israeli occupation and colonial settlements remain illegal and require immediate termination per international law.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced work starting on a settlement dividing the West Bank from East Jerusalem this week, declaring, “Whoever recognizes a Palestinian state receives our answer on the ground through houses and neighborhoods.” His office explicitly stated this move would “bury” Palestinian statehood aspirations permanently. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar similarly vowed Israel “will not allow” a Palestinian state within “the land of Israel.”
The Kingdom Calls for International Action
Consequently, Saudi Arabia urgently called the international community to assume legal and moral responsibilities protecting Palestinians immediately, demanding concrete steps fulfilling Palestinian legitimate rights, including state recognition without delay. Riyadh further insisted all nations compel Israel to halt aggression against Gaza and illegal West Bank violations.
Saudi Arabia specifically demanded holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against Palestinians, particularly those amounting to genocide. The statement renewed the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of Israeli settlement expansion and forced displacement policies unequivocally. Therefore, Saudi Arabia urged Security Council permanent members to take immediate action enforcing UN resolutions.
France, Canada, and Britain recently announced plans recognizing a Palestinian state next month. This follows Israeli defiance of international ceasefire calls in Gaza and humanitarian access demands. Meanwhile, Israel continues systematic aggression, destruction, displacement, and blockade violating Palestinian rights daily. Ultimately, the international community must act decisively to end occupation and uphold justice.
