Qatar joins Arab ministerial meeting to address Israeli violations in occupied Jerusalem

Qatar joined an Arab ministerial meeting in Amman to coordinate international action against Israeli policies in occupied Jerusalem amid growing concerns over settlement expansion and escalating violence.Qatar participated in an emergency meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with coordinating international action against illegal Israeli policies and measures in occupied Jerusalem, held in Amman on Wednesday.The Qatari delegation was led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, alongside Arab foreign ministers and representatives from Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.The meeting focused on a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in Israeli actions targeting occupied Jerusalem, including its Islamic and Christian holy sites, the city’s identity, and the historic and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque.Participants also launched a joint initiative to address illegal Israeli measures that are pushing the region towards further conflict.On the sidelines of the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen relations between Qatar and Egypt, as well as the latest regional developments. They also covered Arab coordination to address Israeli escalation in occupied Jerusalem and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and enhance regional security and stability.During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and diplomacy and implementing the understandings reached under the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.He also highlighted the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, preserve regional security, protect recent diplomatic gains and strengthen stability across the region.The Qatari prime minister reiterated Doha’s support for efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a comprehensive agreement that would contribute to sustainable peace in the region.The meeting comes amid growing concern over increased settler violence in the occupied West Bank and Israeli policies viewed by Arab states as attempts to expand control over Palestinian territory.Palestinian media have reported more than 11,000 settler and military attacks across the occupied West Bank this year, as settlement expansion and attacks against Palestinians have intensified.Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a 113 million shekel ($37 million) allocation to take control of more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank.The funding follows a separate 250 million shekel ($83 million) plan approved in May to develop archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank, the Jordan Valley and other occupied areas.Israeli authorities have described the locations as Jewish heritage sites, while Palestinians accuse Israel of using archaeology and heritage projects to consolidate control over occupied land and Palestinian property.The occupied West Bank contains thousands of archaeological and historical sites, with Palestinians warning that the plans threaten both their cultural heritage and territorial rights.Palestinian reports say some of the proposed projects include Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem, a site that has previously been the focus of Israeli efforts to expand control.The Arab Ministerial Committee, which includes Qatar, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco and the Arab League secretary-general, said it would continue coordinating international efforts to challenge Israeli actions in occupied Jerusalem and protect the city’s legal and historical status, including that of its holy sites.