Gulf Nations Criticize Israeli Plan to Broaden Settlements in Golan Heights
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Riyadh, Dec 16 (NationPress) Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar have expressed strong disapproval of the Israeli government's recent approval to broaden settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring that this decision represents a continuation of efforts to undermine Syria's chances for security and stability, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the Israeli actions could heighten regional tensions.
"The UAE firmly rejects any measures or actions that aim to change the legal status of the occupied Golan Heights," the statement asserted, underlining that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights poses a significant threat to the security, stability, and sovereignty of Syria.
In a separate statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry denounced the decision as "a new chapter in a series of Israeli aggressions against Syrian territories and a clear violation of international law."
It urged the international community to fulfill its legal and ethical obligations by pressuring Israel to cease its aggressions against Syrian territories and to comply with international legitimacy.
The statement reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
On Sunday, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a region that remains under Israeli occupation.
This plan aims to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights and includes the establishment of a student village, a development program for integrating new residents, along with initiatives to enhance the education system and renewable energy infrastructure.
