A joint statement from the foreign ministers of 20 Arab, Islamic, and European nations strongly condemns Israel's recent unilateral actions aimed at expanding its control over the occupied West Bank. These countries include significant players like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and France, amplifying the collective disapproval of measures that they deem as blatant violations of international law. They criticized Israel’s efforts to classify Palestinian territories as 'state lands' and to accelerate settlement activities, calling these actions both illegal and counterproductive to any peace efforts in the region.

The statement highlights the consensus among diverse nations regarding the illegitimacy of Israel's territorial claims and administrative changes in the occupied areas. Citing the 2004 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, the foreign ministers argue that these developments not only contravene established international legal standards but also jeopardize the safety and rights of the Palestinian people. The involvement of both Arab and European states underscores a growing international concern over the escalating tensions and the potential for further conflict in this historically sensitive region.

In urging Israel to reverse its decisions immediately, the statement not only articulates a firm stance against perceived encroachments on Palestinian sovereignty but also affirms the necessity for adherence to international norms and resolutions designed to protect the rights of territories under occupation. The call to halt violence and adhere to law reflects a broader desire among the signatory nations to pursue a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, pointing to the urgent need for dialogue, stability, and respect for international law in the face of rising tensions.