His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued incursions into the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque by extremist settlers under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, including the raising of the Israeli flag inside its courtyards. He underlined that these provocative practices represent a blatant violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.
"The GCC member states categorically reject all measures taken by the Israeli occupation forces aimed at altering the historical and legal status quo of the city of Jerusalem and its Islamic holy sites," His Excellency stressed, warning that the continuation of these violations will fuel tension and instability in the region, while undermining the chances of accomplishing peace.
His Excellency reaffirmed the full solidarity of the GCC nations with the brotherly Palestinian people and their unwavering support for their legitimate rights, foremost of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.