Arab Ministerial Committee discusses occupied East Jerusalem in meeting

On 5 August 2026, foreign ministers from several Arab nations convened in Amman, Jordan, alongside King Abdullah II, to address escalating tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly focusing on developments in East Jerusalem. The gathering was part of a broader session involving members of the Arab Ministerial Committee, which includes representatives from Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Pakistan, and Iraq. The discussions centered on Israel’s actions in occupied East Jerusalem, which have intensified in recent weeks, prompting concern among regional leaders. The meeting took place under the auspices of the Arab Ministerial Committee, an informal body established to coordinate responses to Israeli policies affecting the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. During the session, participants reviewed the latest developments, including increased Israeli military presence in East Jerusalem and related security operations. These activities have been widely condemned by Arab states as violations of international law and efforts to alter the demographic and religious character of the city. Among the attendees was Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, who joined the discussion via video link. His participation underscored the growing involvement of Gulf states in addressing the situation in East Jerusalem. Other key figures included Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shokri, Saudi Arabian Deputy Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Faraj. The meeting reflected a coordinated effort to present a unified stance against Israeli actions perceived as undermining the status quo in the region. The focus on East Jerusalem stems from its significance as a holy site for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, making it a flashpoint for political and religious tensions. Recent months have seen heightened activity, including the expansion of Jewish settlements, changes to religious sites, and restrictions on access for non-Jewish worshippers. These developments have sparked widespread protests and calls for international intervention, particularly from Arab governments advocating for a two-state solution and the protection of Palestinian rights. In response to these developments, the Arab Ministerial Committee has called for urgent diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need for adherence to international resolutions such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 497, which reaffirms the status of East Jerusalem as part of the occupied Palestinian territory. The committee also urged the international community to take stronger positions against Israeli policies that could lead to further destabilization in the region. Regional leaders expressed concerns over the potential long-term implications of continued Israeli settlement expansion and the impact on peace negotiations. While there were no immediate agreements reached during the meeting, the session served as a platform for reinforcing solidarity among Arab states and highlighting shared priorities regarding the future of East Jerusalem and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the situation and coordinating responses through the Arab Ministerial Committee. Further meetings are anticipated, with expectations of more detailed proposals aimed at influencing international policy and encouraging a resolution to the ongoing crisis. As the situation in East Jerusalem continues to evolve, the role of the Arab Ministerial Committee in shaping regional and global discourse remains critical.