Arab and Islamic rejection of the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank
Many Arab and Islamic countries have expressed their categorical rejection and strong condemnation of the statements and plans aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over areas in the occupied West Bank. These positions consider any step in this direction a flagrant violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy, and a deliberate undermining of the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
Historical and legal context of the conflict
These warnings come within a long historical context, as the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been considered occupied territory under international law since 1967. Arab and Islamic positions are based on UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions affirming the illegality of settlements and any demographic or geographic changes imposed by the occupying power on the ground. The Arab Peace Initiative, launched in 2002, has consistently emphasized that peace with Israel is contingent upon its complete withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Threat to the two-state solution and the future of peace
Observers and politicians in the Arab world believe that Israel's imposition of sovereignty over parts of the West Bank effectively ends the two-state solution, which enjoys international consensus as the basis for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Statements issued by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States affirm that these unilateral steps do not alter the legal status of the land, but rather further complicate the political landscape and close the door to any meaningful future negotiations, thus placing the entire region on the brink of disaster.
Regional and international repercussions
The repercussions of these plans are not limited to the Palestinian and Israeli sides, but extend to the stability of the entire Middle East region. Influential Arab capitals have warned that proceeding with annexation or imposing sovereignty will inflame feelings of anger and frustration in the Arab and Muslim world, and could threaten existing agreements and destabilize regional security. Arab states are calling on the international community, particularly the Security Council and the European Union, to assume their responsibilities and take immediate action to pressure Israel to halt these practices that threaten international peace and security, emphasizing that stability will only be achieved through the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
