Dozens of countries denounce Israeli measures in occupied West Bank

A large group of countries, joined by the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, on Tuesday condemned Israel’s latest unilateral decisions in the occupied West Bank.

In a joint media stakeout in Vienna, the signatories said the measures were unlawful and contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law. They called for the immediate reversal of the decisions and voiced strong opposition to any form of annexation.

The statement said the countries reject actions intended to alter the demographic composition, character and status of Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. Such steps, they said, violate international law, undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability, and jeopardize prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement.

The signatories reaffirmed their commitment to principles outlined in the New York Declaration and urged concrete measures in line with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

They also cited the July 19, 2024, advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, emphasizing the need to uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and counter what they described as illegal settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

The statement said a just and lasting peace must be based on relevant U.N. resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

It added that ending the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and implementing a two-state solution — with an independent and sovereign State of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders based on the 1967 lines — remains the only viable path to long-term security and stability.

The joint statement reflected what the signatories described as broad international concern over recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territory and reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution.