Cairo, February 16 (Petra) – The General Secretariat of the Arab League condemned the Israeli government's decision to turn large areas of land in the occupied West Bank into "state property." In a statement issued Monday, the pan-Arab organisation described the move as a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions, especially those of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, which affirm the illegality of Israeli settlements and the inadmissibility of acquiring territory by force.

The League stated that all measures aimed at altering the legal and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and are considered null and void under international law, particularly the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Separately, Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed Yamahi condemned the Israeli government's decision to designate parts of the occupied West Bank as "state property." It called the decision a clear step toward the de facto annexation of Palestinian territory and a further entrenchment of settlement expansion policies in defiance of international legitimacy and the will of the international community.

In a statement, Yamahi said the measure represents a serious escalation that threatens regional security and stability and undermines prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

He added that the decision constitutes a clear violation of international law, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which affirms the illegality of settlements in all Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

//Petra// AK