Saudi Arabia and seven countries condemn Israeli calls to displace Palestinians from Gaza

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and seven other countries have strongly condemned statements by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Israel Katz about removing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt said the statements included plans and mechanisms aimed at forcing Palestinians from their land.

In a joint statement, the ministers said, “These statements and inciting proposals represent a blatant violation of the principles of international law, including international humanitarian law, and a direct threat to the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.”

They also said they categorically rejected any attempt or plan to displace Palestinians, whether within the occupied Palestinian territories or outside them, and under any label or pretext. The ministers warned of serious consequences if calls for forced displacement became declared policy or practical measures intended to uproot Palestinians from their land.

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These statements and inciting proposals represent a blatant violation of the principles of international law, including international humanitarian law, and a direct threat to the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.