CAIRO, September 8, 2026 (WAFA) – The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Republic of Nauru’s opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, considering the move an explicit violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions concerning Jerusalem, and a consolidation of the illegal status imposed on the city by the Israeli occupation.
In a statement issued today, the General Secretariat affirmed that the move contradicts the firmly established international position on the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, particularly relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolutions 476 and 478 of 1980, which affirmed the non-recognition of measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities to alter the character and legal status of Jerusalem and called on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city.
The Arab League stressed that the opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem does not alter the city’s legal status, create any right or legal standing for the occupation, or affect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to establish their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
It warned of the danger of such steps, which could encourage the occupation authorities to continue their policies aimed at consolidating the status quo, imposing illegal control over Jerusalem, undermining prospects for achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and harming international efforts to end the occupation and realize an independent Palestinian state.
The General Secretariat of the Arab League called on the Republic of Nauru to reconsider its decision and abide by United Nations resolutions and international law.
It also called on all states to refrain from taking any steps that could support or entrench the Israeli occupation or prejudice the legal status of Jerusalem, and to uphold their responsibilities to protect the rules of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.
The General Secretariat reaffirmed that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, and that any measures or practices aimed at changing the character, legal status, or demographic composition of the city cannot create a new legal reality.
It stressed that achieving a just and comprehensive peace will remain contingent on ending the Israeli occupation and realizing the independence of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
T.R.
