UAE, Arab states condemn US ambassador remarks on Israel

The UAE has joined other Arab countries and major regional organisations in issuing a joint statement strongly condemning remarks by the US ambassador to Israel, suggesting it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over occupied Arab territories, including the West Bank.

The foreign ministries of 14 countries, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman Palestine, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and Qatar, described the comments as “dangerous and inflammatory”, warning they posed a serious threat to regional stability.

The statement said the remarks violated international law and the United Nations Charter, and rejected any suggestion that Israel could claim sovereignty over occupied Palestinian land or other Arab territories.

The joint declaration was also backed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League (LASS) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Signatories said the ambassador’s comments contradicted efforts aimed at reducing tensions and pursuing a political solution to the conflict. They referenced proposals supported by US President Donald Trump that call for de-escalation and a pathway towards a comprehensive settlement.

The countries said attempts to legitimise control over territory occupied by force risked undermining diplomatic efforts and could inflame tensions rather than advance peace.

The statement reiterated opposition to any annexation of the West Bank or attempts to separate it from Gaza, and criticised the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territory.

It stressed that Israel held no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories and warned that continued expansionist policies would increase violence and damage prospects for peace.

Call for a two-state solution

The countries also reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on borders in place before the 1967 Middle East war.

They called for an end to what they described as provocative statements and urged renewed efforts to pursue a negotiated political settlement.

Joint Statement by Islamic and Arab countries and organizations condemning the remarks of the U.S. ambassadorhttps://t.co/e8crNc88ku pic.twitter.com/uyfzkaZZiA

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) February 21, 2026