Gaza War: Eight Muslim countries open new front against Israel; what is this new conflict amidst Iran crisis?

New Delhi: Eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, issued a joint statement on Monday (February 9) strongly warning against Israel's "continued expansionist policies" in the occupied West Bank. These countries accused Israel of illegally imposing its sovereignty, expanding settlements, and displacing the Palestinian population. The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The statement said that the decisions being taken by Israel are accelerating the process of illegally annexing the West Bank.

This statement comes at a time when Israel's security cabinet recently approved measures that will make it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land in the West Bank and increase the Israeli administration's enforcement powers over Palestinians. According to Israeli media reports, a decision was also made to remove decades-old regulations that prevented Jewish citizens from privately purchasing land in the West Bank.

Is this a warning for Israel?

In this situation, the eight Muslim countries unequivocally stated that Israel has no sovereign rights over the occupied Palestinian territories. The statement warned that the policies being pursued in the West Bank are further fueling violence and conflict in the region. The foreign ministers of these countries called Israel's actions a blatant violation of international law, stating that these steps undermine the two-state solution and are a direct attack on the Palestinian people's right to an independent and sovereign state.

What is reference to UN Security Council Resolution?

The statement also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns any attempts to alter the demographic composition, character, and status of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.  It also cited the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) 2024 advisory opinion, stating that the court declared Israel's presence and policies illegal. The foreign ministers appealed to the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities and compel Israel to cease the dangerous escalation of tensions in the West Bank and restrain its leaders from making inflammatory statements.

Is peace possible only through a two-state solution?

They emphasized that a lasting solution is possible only through the fulfillment of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood, which can be achieved through a two-state solution in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. It is worth noting that these same eight countries had previously worked with the administration of former US President Donald Trump on a plan to end the war and alleged genocide in Gaza last year. Earlier this month, these countries also condemned Israel for repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.