UAE joins 7 nations in condemning Israel for expanding control over West Bank

The UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have strongly condemned Israel's decision to expand its powers across occupied West Bank.

In a statement, Foreign Ministers of the eight nations called the move "illegal" with an aim to "fuel violence and conflict in the region". 

The move, they added, will accelerate the "illegal annexation and displacement of the Palestinian people", reaffirming that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory.

On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved a series of steps that would make it easier for settlers in the occupied West Bank to buy land while granting Israeli authorities more enforcement powers over Palestinians.

The ministers expressed their "absolute rejection of these illegal actions" calling it a blatant violation of international law that undermines the two-state solution.

Such actions, they added, also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.

The ministers renewed their call for the international community to "compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank and the inciting statements of its officials".

They reiterated the two-state solution remains the only path to achieving just and comprehensive peace that ensures security and stability in the region.