Riyadh: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's ongoing settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, focusing on the controversial E1 settlement project. The council emphasized that these actions represent a direct challenge to international law and systematically undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

According to Qatar News Agency, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi highlighted the detrimental impact of Israel's settlement practices, stating that they pose a threat to peace efforts and endanger international and regional initiatives aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Albudaiwi called upon the international community to take decisive and responsible measures to halt Israel's settlement activities. He urged global actors to oppose any attempts to alter the geographic and demographic landscape of the occupied Palestinian territories.

Reaffirming the GCC's unwavering support for Palestinian rights, Albudaiwi reiterated the council's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This stance aligns with the principles of the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.