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Various Foreign Ministers Condemn Israel Over West Bank Moves, Statement Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
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Quick Summary
A coalition of foreign ministers condemned Israel’s new West Bank measures, calling them illegal and a step toward de facto annexation. They warn the moves accelerate settlements and jeopardize regional peace efforts.
Foreign Ministers Decry Israel’s West Bank Measures in Joint Statement
Global Response to Israeli West Bank Measures
ISTANBUL, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The foreign ministers of Brazil, France, Spain, Turkey and various other states condemned Israeli decisions that they said introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank.
What the Joint Statement Says
"Changes are wide-ranging, reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called Israeli ‘state land’, accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration," said the joint statement, issued late on Monday by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Countries and Organizations Signing On
Other countries to sign the statement included Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar, as well as the heads of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Land Reclassification and Settlement Expansion
Details of Israel’s February 15 Decision
Israel's cabinet on February 15 approved further measures to tighten Israel's control over the occupied West Bank and make it easier for settlers to buy land, a move Palestinians called a "de-facto annexation".
The West Bank is among the territories that Palestinians seek for a future independent state. Much of it is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas run by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.
Settlements as a ‘flagrant violation’
International Law and Annexation Concerns
The joint statement said the settlements, and decisions designed to further them, are "a flagrant violation of international law" and a step towards "unacceptable de facto annexation".
Risks to Regional Integration
Implications for Peace and Regional Integration
It said they also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region and threaten any meaningful prospect of regional integration.
(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Key Takeaways
- •A joint statement led by Türkiye and joined by Brazil, France, Spain and others condemns Israel’s recent West Bank measures.
- •Ministers say the steps reclassify Palestinian land as Israeli state land and accelerate settlement activity.
- •Israel’s cabinet on Feb. 15 approved measures tightening control and easing settlers’ land purchases.
- •The statement calls the moves a flagrant violation of international law and a de facto annexation.
- •Signatories warn the decisions undermine peace efforts and prospects for regional integration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Various foreign ministers condemn Israel over West Bank moves, statement says
1What is the main topic?
A joint statement by foreign ministers from multiple countries condemns Israel’s recent measures in the West Bank, which they say reclassify land, expand settlements and amount to de facto annexation.
2Which countries signed the statement?
Signatories include Brazil, France, Spain, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar, along with the heads of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
3What measures by Israel are being condemned?
Ministers cite decisions that reclassify Palestinian land as Israeli state land, make it easier for settlers to buy land, and further entrench Israeli administrative control over the West Bank.