UAE condemns Israeli Finance Minister’s statements on West Bank expansion

The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding issuing instructions to prepare for the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied West Bank next year.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed the UAE’s categorical rejection of all provocative statements and measures aimed at altering the legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and all practices in contravention of resolutions on international legitimacy, which threaten further escalation and instability in the region, and impede endeavours to achieve peace and stability.

The Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East, as well as end illegal practices that undermine the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Furthermore, the Ministry underscored that the UAE is steadfast in its commitment to reinforcing peace and justice, and safeguarding the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.

The Ministry called on the international community to undertake efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire to avoid further loss of life, and prevent fuelling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to advance all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

WAM