Arab group and OIC tell U.N. Security Council to act against Israeli annexation plans

Chair opened a press conference at the United Nations and said the Arab group, the OIC and other allies had sent a letter to the Security Council because "the situation is extremely deteriorating in the occupied Palestinian territory," and that the international body must respond.

Abd Aziz, reading a statement on behalf of the Arab group, said recent Israeli measures "amount to accelerated annexation and the systematic dismantling of Palestinian rights" and called the E1 plan "an existential threat" that would connect East Jerusalem to settlements and risk dividing the West Bank. "These actions constitute flagrant violations of international law," Abd Aziz said, invoking U.N. resolutions and International Court of Justice findings.

The statement listed a series of alleged practices and consequences: expanded settlement construction and land registration measures, forced displacement, recurring military incursions, and what speakers described as settler violence. The speakers also said there is "specific documentation" alleging sexual violence against Palestinian detainees; Abd Aziz said perpetrators were being shielded instead of prosecuted and urged that those responsible "face justice."

Speaking for the OIC New York group, the deputy ambassador of Turkey condemned what the OIC called "continued efforts to accelerate the annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory," and flagged approval of military facilities on seized sites and restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza. The deputy ambassador said the OIC "condemns in the strongest terms Israel's attempts to entrench its illegal occupation and annexation" and called on states to take "urgent and effective measures to hold all annexation activities" and ensure accountability under international law.

Press questions focused on how to overcome likely Security Council vetoes. The Chair responded that the council "has a mandate given to them by the charter of the UN to maintain international peace and security," cited Security Council Resolution 2803 and other resolutions, and urged continued diplomatic pressure and public reporting to build support for action. When asked specifically "what has been the United States reaction to this new initiative?" the speaker replied that the U.S. has continued to state "no to annexation," citing President Trump's remarks as repeating that position.

The Arab group and OIC urged the Security Council to halt settlement expansion, reverse annexation-related activities, ensure humanitarian access in Gaza and pursue accountability. The press conference concluded with an offer to provide copies of the groups' letter to the Security Council and other documents submitted to U.N. bodies.

The Security Council was holding informal consultations on the submissions as the press conference ended; no formal Security Council decision was announced during the briefing.