Islamic world voices concern as Israel's parliament votes on West Bank move
As-salamu alaykum. Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries renewed their strong objections after Israel's parliament backed draft laws that would extend Israeli control over parts of the West Bank, and after Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed two people.
More than a dozen Islamic states, including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, condemned the parliamentary vote as a clear violation of international law and UN resolutions, saying Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian land. They also welcomed an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice urging Israel to meet the basic needs of people in Gaza and to support UN relief efforts, including aid to Palestinian refugees.
Top U.S. officials visiting Israel warned against annexation. Under U.S. pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the opposition-drafted bills, and the government said it was not supporting them at this stage. Some senior U.S. visitors said an annexation would jeopardise recent peace arrangements and could undermine efforts toward stability.
In Lebanon, Israeli air strikes on the Bekaa Valley killed two people and damaged schools, causing panic among pupils. Lebanese leaders met with senior U.S. military officials and called for pressure on Israel to stop routine strikes. Lebanon’s education minister described the attack on civilians and students as a “barbaric assault.”
Tensions have been rising across the region: settlers in the West Bank have been accused of violent attacks on Palestinians during harvests, and air strikes recently killed dozens in Gaza. Several Arab and Muslim states have warned that formal annexation of West Bank territory would be a red line for them.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Israel has no sovereignty over the West Bank, Jerusalem or Gaza, and described the votes as invalid. Palestinian groups called the move another expression of occupation. The UN and most of the international community consider the West Bank occupied territory and regard settlements as illegal.
The situation remains fragile. Many countries in the region and the wider Muslim world are calling for restraint, respect for international law, and renewed efforts to protect civilians and pursue a just solution for the Palestinian people. May Allah protect the innocent and guide leaders toward a peaceful, fair resolution.
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