Arab, African and Islamic condemnation of the Israeli annexation and settlement plans in the occupied Palestinian territory
The League of Arab States, the African Union Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the continuation of Israeli annexation and settlement plans in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the “E1” settlement plan and the measures aimed at displacing the Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin community east of occupied Jerusalem.
The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, affirmed in a joint statement today their rejection of these measures, noting that the settlement policy represents a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The three organizations renewed their rejection of violations targeting the basic rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people, warning that the policies of annexation, settlement and displacement undermine the chances of achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and affect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, most importantly their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
She called on the international community to assume its legal and political responsibilities, and take effective steps to protect the Palestinian people and stop practices related to settlement, annexation, and displacement.
It also expressed its rejection of the measures targeting international non-governmental organizations operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, including restrictions imposed on their activities and targeting of their workers, stressing the importance of the role played by humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies in providing aid and relief to the Palestinian population.
She stressed the importance of enabling humanitarian institutions to perform their tasks without obstacles, and ensuring the protection of their workers and facilities in accordance with the provisions of international law.
The three organizations also called for the release of financial resources owed to the State of Palestine, enabling Palestinian institutions to continue performing their duties and providing basic services to the Palestinian people.
