Gulf condemnation of the US ambassador's statements to Israel: Details of the situation

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states expressed their strong condemnation and categorical rejection of the statements made by the US ambassador to Israel, which they considered an infringement on the historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people and a violation of international resolutions concerning the Palestinian issue. This unified Gulf stance underscores the centrality of the Palestinian cause for the countries of the region and their rejection of any attempts to alter the status quo or legitimize settlements.

Context of the event and the firm Gulf stance

This condemnation comes within the context of a series of consistent Gulf positions rejecting any statements or actions that could undermine peace prospects or prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have consistently affirmed, both collectively through the General Secretariat and individually through their respective foreign ministries, that statements ignoring the Palestinians' right to establish their independent state or legitimizing annexation of territory do not serve regional stability efforts but rather exacerbate tensions.

Historical background and international references

The Gulf Cooperation Council's condemnation of these statements is based on well-established legal and political principles, most notably UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions that deem settlements illegal and reaffirm the two-state solution. The Gulf states also base their position on the Arab Peace Initiative launched in 2002, which represents the Arab vision for a just and comprehensive solution, founded on Israel's withdrawal from the territories occupied in 1967 in exchange for peace and normalization of relations. Any diplomatic statement that contradicts this initiative is considered, in Gulf diplomatic practice, a departure from the international consensus and a threat to the foundations of the peace process.

The importance of the event and its expected effects

These statements and the reactions to them are particularly significant given the pivotal role the United States plays as a key mediator in the peace process. The issuance of biased statements by the ambassador of a major power casts doubt on the mediator's impartiality and could lead to:

• On the regional level: Increased tension in the Arab and Islamic street, and complicated efforts to calm the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
• On the international level: weakening confidence in the international system and its ability to enforce its decisions, which may encourage other parties to disregard international law.
• The future of peace: It places additional obstacles in the way of any future negotiations, as the peace process requires an environment of trust and commitment to the agreed terms of reference.

In conclusion, the Gulf States renewed their call to the international community and the US administration to adhere to their responsibilities towards maintaining international peace and security, and to exert pressure to stop any provocative practices or statements that hinder the path to a just peace.