Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Qatar Condemn Israel's Plan to Double Settlements in Occupied Golan Heights

Dec 16, 2024, 07:45 AM

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, and several Arab nations have condemned Israel's decision to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The Israeli government's plan aims to double the settler population in the region, which has been occupied since 1967. The countries denounced the move as a violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and as a threat to regional stability and Syria's sovereignty. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Israel's action undermines efforts to establish peace in Syria and is a new phase in Israel's goal of expanding its borders through occupation. The Muslim World League also slammed the decision. Iraq's Foreign Ministry condemned the plan and called for Syria to regain full sovereignty over its territories. The UAE described the move as "a deliberate effort to expand the occupation" that "threatens further escalation and tension in the region."