Saudi Arabia and seven nations condemn Israeli remarks on forced displacement of Palestinians

Saudi Arabia and seven other countries have condemned Israeli remarks about forcing Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt described the remarks and proposals as “incitement” and a flagrant violation of international law.

The statement followed comments by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who outlined a seven-year plan for removing Palestinians from Gaza. Ben-Gvir characterized the proposed departure as “voluntary emigration.” The Arab and Muslim ministers rejected any forced displacement, whether inside or outside the occupied Palestinian territories, and warned against turning such proposals into official policy.

“

incitement

They said the measures challenged international efforts to end the Gaza conflict, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, which they said rejects forced displacement. The ministers warned that the proposals could undermine regional stability and stressed that Gaza remains an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The statement called for preserving the territorial unity of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The ministers said a just and lasting peace required a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. They urged the international community, especially the U.N. Security Council, to oppose attempts to change the demographic or geographic status of the occupied territories and reaffirmed support for Palestinians remaining on their land.

“

voluntary emigration