New york: The Group of Arab States at the United Nations condemned the Israeli occupation's illegal settlement expansion policies across the occupied Palestinian territories and rejected the E1 settlement plan and related activities in occupied East Jerusalem. The Arab Group highlighted these actions as violations of international law and UN Resolution 2334, as well as the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. They called on the UN Security Council to ensure compliance with international law and halt these violations.
According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was made during the Arab Group's speech, delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, at the UN Security Council's monthly briefing on the situation in West Asia, including the Palestinian question.
Her Excellency emphasized that the Palestinian question is central to peace in West Asia, asserting that a just and lasting peace is unattainable without ending the Israeli occupation and enabling Palestinians to exercise their legitimate rights, including self-determination and establishing a sovereign state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
She noted the Arab Group's support for growing international recognition of the State of Palestine and the efforts of the Global Coalition to implement the two-state solution, highlighting the significance of the New York Declaration.
HE Qatar's Permanent Representative at UN reiterated the Arab Group's condemnation of Israeli violations in occupied Palestinian territories, including civilian targeting, settlement expansion, land confiscation, house demolitions, and forced displacement. She rejected measures entrenching occupation or imposing Israeli sovereignty over any part of the territories, citing their violation of international law and UNSC resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334 (2016).
On the Gaza Strip situation, Her Excellency condemned the Israeli rejection of the roadmap to complete the comprehensive plan of US President Donald Trump, supported by UNSC Resolution 2803 (2025), and the refusal to establish a Palestinian state. She warned that these positions undermine efforts for a just and lasting peace.
The roadmap, accepted by Palestinian factions, resulted from mediation by Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, the United States, the High Representative for Gaza, and the Peace Council, she added.
Her Excellency stressed the urgent need for the comprehensive plan's full implementation to address the humanitarian situation, ensure security and stability in Gaza, and facilitate reconstruction and aid access.
Regarding the West Bank, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative at UN condemned the escalation of colonist violence against Palestinians, causing significant civilian casualties in 2026, and urged international action to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent impunity.
The Arab Group also opposed Israeli measures altering Jerusalem's Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity and its legal and demographic status, in violation of international law. Her Excellency referenced the outcomes of a ministerial meeting in Jordan supporting Al-Quds, emphasizing the importance of the Palestinian cause and condemning Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani highlighted the essential role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, urging international support for the agency. The Arab Group condemned Israeli violations against the Agency, including the storming and evacuation of the Qalandia Center, considering it a breach of international law and UN immunities and privileges.