UAE, Arab and Islamic nations condemn Israeli violations in Gaza

Abu Dhabi: The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have issued a joint statement strongly condemning ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, including attacks on healthcare facilities, medical infrastructure and civilian sites. The ministers denounced the continued loss of civilian lives, particularly among women and children, describing the actions as grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The statement said the ongoing violations undermine regional and international efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, particularly following the announcement by US President Donald Trump that Palestinian factions had accepted the roadmap, including provisions related to the confinement of weapons. According to the ministers, the continuation of military operations threatens to derail the political process, reignite escalation and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protection of civilians The ministers stressed that the protection of civilians, healthcare facilities and humanitarian workers is a legal obligation that must be upheld under all circumstances. They also called for the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and relief assistance throughout the Gaza Strip. "The protection of civilians, the safeguarding of medical facilities and personnel working in the health and humanitarian sectors, and ensuring the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance constitute legal obligations that must not be compromised," the statement said. Concerns over West Bank developments The ministers said developments in Gaza cannot be separated from events in the occupied West Bank, citing settler attacks, settlement expansion and measures aimed at changing the status quo in occupied Jerusalem. They described these actions as part of a systematic policy intended to impose a fait accompli by force, undermine the foundations of the two-state solution and marginalise the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Call for international action The joint statement urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by taking practical measures to ensure Israel complies with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The ministers also called for accountability for those responsible for serious violations, saying such measures are necessary to protect civilians, preserve prospects for implementing the agreement and achieve a permanent ceasefire. Rejection of annexation and displacement The ministers reiterated their rejection of any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territories, impose Israeli sovereignty over them or forcibly displace Palestinians. They stressed that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through a serious political process leading to the implementation of the two-state solution, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.