Gulf Cooperation Council condemns Israel's West Bank annexation vote

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued a firm condemnation of two annexation bills recently advanced by the Israeli parliament. The preliminary approval of this legislation, which targets the occupied West Bank and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement area, has been met with severe criticism from the regional bloc, which accused Israel of violating international resolutions.

International Law Violations

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that these Israeli measures represent a clear breach of international law. He emphasized that such actions directly sabotage the international community's work toward establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region. “These settlement activities constitute a grave violation of the Palestinian people's historical rights,” Albudaiwi added in his declaration.

Call for Global Action

The Secretary-General called upon the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities. He urged for increased pressure on the Israeli government to immediately halt these escalating steps, which threaten to further destabilize the region. The GCC's stance aligns with a recent opinion from the International Court of Justice, which last July declared the occupation illegal.

Background and Escalating Tensions

The two draft bills must still pass three additional readings in the Knesset before they can become law. This political move occurs amidst a significant surge in violence. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations across the West Bank have resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties and detentions, according to local sources, deepening the ongoing conflict.