New York, March 2026( Kamran Raja): Representatives of Bahrain, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Pakistan, Somalia, and the United Kingdom, speaking at the United Nations Security Council press stake, delivered a joint statement underscoring their firm opposition to the annexation of any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the forcible displacement of the Palestinian people.
Guided by the United Nations Security Council and recalling relevant resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, the members reiterated that all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, and status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, are in violation of international law and undermine prospects for peace.
The statement emphasized that Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and fulfill its legal obligations under international law. The members also condemned ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians, including attacks by settlers, and called for accountability for such actions.
Reaffirming the importance of preserving the historic status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem, the representatives expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They highlighted the impact of movement restrictions and the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, urging that these issues be addressed without delay.
The members further reiterated their commitment, in line with the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion and relevant UN resolutions, to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to counter policies of annexation and forced displacement.
Underscoring that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-State solution, the statement reaffirmed support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security, based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a key final status issue.
The joint statement reflects the continued commitment of these Security Council members to uphold international law, advance peace efforts, and ensure stability in the Middle East.