Amman (TDI): Arab foreign ministers lashed out at Israel over the weekend, calling its decision to bar their delegation from visiting the occupied West Bank a reflection of “extremism” and a blatant rejection of peace efforts.
The strong statement came during a joint press conference in Amman, where Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan appeared alongside his counterparts from Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain. “This refusal only confirms the extremism of the current Israeli government and its unwillingness to engage in any path to peace,” said Prince Faisal.
The foreign ministers, all part of a high-level committee formed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on Gaza, had planned to meet Palestinian leaders in Ramallah on Sunday. But Israeli authorities blocked the visit, sparking widespread condemnation.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi said the move was “yet another sign that Israel is determined to kill any remaining hope for peace in the region.”
Earlier in the day, the ministers met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at Al-Husseiniya Palace to discuss efforts to end the war in Gaza and outline a post-conflict plan.
Read More: Arab League Convenes in Baghdad Over Gaza War
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told Jordan’s official news agency that both Cairo and Amman would firmly oppose “any attempts by Israel to forcibly displace Palestinians, whether from Gaza or the West Bank.”
The ministers also emphasized the need for open humanitarian access to Gaza and condemned the ongoing escalation of Israeli military operations in the West Bank. They reaffirmed their backing for the ceasefire mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
In addition, preparations are underway for an international peace summit set to take place in New York later this month. Co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, the conference aims to revive momentum behind the long-stalled two-state framework.
The Arab League’s Secretary-General, who also attended the meetings in Amman, called Israel’s decision to block the Ramallah meeting a breach of diplomatic norms. “This was a peaceful, diplomatic mission — nothing more,” he said. “Preventing such a visit is not just disrespectful. It’s provocative.”
Read More: Arab League Warns Trump’s Gaza Plan Risks Chaos
As frustrations grow, Arab states continue to stress the urgency of rebuilding Gaza and securing a just solution to one of the region’s longest-running conflicts. A reconstruction conference is being planned in Cairo, contingent on the success of ceasefire talks.
The message from Amman was clear: without a shift in Israel’s position, regional diplomacy will face even greater obstacles in the weeks ahead.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
