Baghdad: Representatives of Iraq and Kuwait to the Security Council have strongly condemned Israel’s plan to consolidate its occupation of Gaza and expand settlements. This condemnation was voiced during a Security Council meeting, where the representatives urged immediate international intervention.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Representative of Iraq, Abbas Kadhem Obaid, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed grave concerns over the calls to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, labeling such actions a violation of international law. He warned that these measures could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region. Obaid also condemned the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the international community to act decisively to end the aggression.

Tariq Al-Bannai, Kuwait’s Representative to the Security Council, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, highlighted the urgent need for actions under Chapter VII to stop what he described as brutal aggression on Gaza and to ensure international protection for Palestinians. Al-Bannai criticized the ongoing Israeli violations in Jerusalem and the West Bank, including the expansion of settlements, and emphasized that the path to lasting peace in the region lies in ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories. He noted that the international community must no longer tolerate Israel’s actions with impunity.

The Kuwaiti representative also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and welcomed the growing international recognition of the Palestinian state.

The meeting follows the Israeli government’s recent decision to approve the occupation of Gaza City and expand military operations in the Strip, a move that was decided early on Friday during a lengthy session of the security and political cabinet.