Israel blocks Arab ministers from occupied West Bank visit

A delegation of Arab foreign ministers has condemned Israel’s decision to block their planned visit to the occupied West Bank.

The delegation - including ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain - was scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday.

However, the visit was postponed after Israeli authorities warned late Friday that they would deny the ministers entry, according to the Jordanian foreign ministry.

As the occupying power controlling the West Bank's border with Jordan, Israel's approval was required for the delegation to travel.

In a joint statement, the ministers denounced the move as a “violation of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power” and said it reflected “the arrogance of the Israeli government, its disregard for international law, and its ongoing illegitimate policies".

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

The Palestinian ambassador to Saudi Arabia told local media the visit was meant to underscore the importance of the Palestinian cause to Arabs and Muslims.

An Israeli official, speaking to the Ynet news outlet, described the planned meeting as a “provocative” attempt to promote the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the land of Israel,” the official claimed. “Israel will not cooperate with efforts that threaten its security.”

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, who was set to lead the delegation, would have been the highest-ranking Saudi official to visit the occupied West Bank in nearly 60 years.

The incident comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to support a two-state solution, backed by the United Nations and several European governments.

In June, Saudi Arabia and France are set to co-chair an international conference in New York to discuss the future of Palestinian statehood. 

middleeasteye.net