RIYADH - The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and other Muslim and Arab countries on Thursday condemned the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Joint Condemnation of Mosque Attacks
Foreign ministers from the Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, and Pakistan condemned recent attacks on the Grand Mosque in the village of Jiljiliya and Al-Farouq Mosque in the village of Mazari Al-Nubani, north of Ramallah. Israeli settlers set fire to these mosques in the West Bank villages on Wednesday. The Grand Mosque in Jiljiliya also had graffiti written on its walls in Hebrew.
Context of Increased Violence
These incidents occurred during a period of heightened attacks against Palestinian communities by settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the start of the Gaza war in 2023. The ministers affirmed that these attacks constitute a clear violation of the sanctity of places of worship and religious sites, as well as of international law.
Rejection of Illegal Measures
The ministers expressed their absolute rejection of the attacks committed by Israeli settlers and the continuation of unilateral and illegal Israeli measures in the occupied Palestinian territory. They stated that these actions fuel instability, violence, and extremism, and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving peace.
Call for Accountability
The ministers held Israel, as the occupying power, responsible for these attacks. They renewed their call on the international community to oblige Israel to stop its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, end its illegal practices, stop settler violence, hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable, and ensure they do not escape punishment.
Solidarity with Palestinian People
The ministers reaffirmed their firm solidarity with the Palestinian people and their steadfast support for fulfilling their legitimate and inalienable national rights. Foremost among these is the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Commitment to Peace Efforts
They reaffirmed their support for all efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
