The Muslim World League commended the strong statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several other Arab and Islamic countries, as well as the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which strongly condemned the recent decisions by the Israeli occupation government to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. The League considered this unified stance a necessary step to confront unilateral and illegal actions that undermine the prospects for peace in the region.
In a statement issued by the Muslim World League's General Secretariat, the Secretary-General, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who also heads the Council of Muslim Scholars, warned of the grave consequences of the Israeli government's continued flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. Dr. Al-Issa commended the clear and firm commitment expressed in these statements, which call for concrete steps to confront the policies of settlement expansion, forced displacement, and annexation that threaten the stability of the entire region.
Historical background and international context
These Israeli decisions come within the context of a long-standing settlement policy that began after the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are considered illegal under international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own population into the territory it occupies. The international community has repeatedly affirmed this position through UN Security Council resolutions, most notably Resolution 2334, which explicitly states that settlements constitute a “flagrant violation” of international law and a major obstacle to achieving a two-state solution.
Importance and expected effects
Domestically, settlement expansion leads to the confiscation of more Palestinian land, restricts the movement of Palestinians, and isolates Palestinian communities from one another, making the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state virtually impossible. It also fuels tensions and resentment on the ground and increases the likelihood of violent confrontations. Regionally, these policies undermine peace efforts and strain relations between Israel and Arab states, including those that have signed peace agreements. Internationally, a unified Arab and Islamic stance sends a strong message to the international community about the need for concrete action to halt these violations and salvage the internationally agreed-upon two-state solution.
A call for effective international action
Dr. Al-Issa reiterated his call to the international community and all peace-loving and justice-seeking nations to shoulder their responsibilities and take collective and individual measures to end the violations committed by the occupying government in the Palestinian territories. He emphasized the necessity of enforcing international law, including Security Council resolutions, and supporting the Palestinian people's inalienable and historical right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, as this is the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees security and stability for all in the region.
