Multiple countries jointly condemn U.S. Ambassador to Israel's "irresponsible" remarks

On February 21, local time, a joint statement was issued by 14 countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Palestine, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The statement strongly condemns recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, claiming that Israel has the right to control the entire Middle East region. The statement points out that all parties firmly oppose such dangerous and inciting statements, which openly violate international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, posing a serious threat to regional security and stability. The statement reaffirms that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or any other occupied Arab lands, opposes any attempts to annex the West Bank or divide it from the Gaza Strip, opposes expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, and opposes any threats to the sovereignty of Arab countries. The statement also warns that Israel’s continued expansionist policies and illegal actions will only exacerbate regional violence and conflicts, further damaging prospects for peace. All parties call for an end to such inciting rhetoric and reaffirm their firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Recently, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, stated in an interview with an American media outlet, “If Israel takes control of the entire Middle East, that’s fine.” (CCTV News)