Gulf nations, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia, have issued strong condemnations in response to the publication of an Israeli map asserting “historical territorial rights” that encompass parts of Palestine, as well as large areas of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

The map was circulated by official Israeli social media accounts, sparking outrage across the region.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry labeled the Israeli map as “a flagrant violation of international legitimacy resolutions and the provisions of international law.” It emphasized that such claims could hinder prospects for peace, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The ministry urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international resolutions and curb its expansionist ambitions in Arab territories.

In a similar vein, the UAE Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli action as “a deliberate effort to expand the occupation” and a blatant violation of international law. The ministry reaffirmed its “categorical rejection” of any actions that alter the legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, warning that these provocations threaten to escalate tensions in the region and impede peace efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, stressing that the Israeli claims illustrate the occupation authorities’ intent to reinforce their control and violate state sovereignty and international norms. The kingdom called on the international community to address Israeli violations and uphold the sovereignty and borders of nations to foster regional stability and promote a just peace.

The condemnation was echoed by several other Arab countries, including Palestine and Jordan. Notably, in March 2023, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made headlines by presenting a map of a greater Israel that included Jordan during an event in Paris.

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For decades, Israel has maintained its occupation of territories in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, defying international calls for withdrawal and opposing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on pre-1967 borders.