FM Reaffirms at the Arab Ministerial Committee Meeting the Need for Effective International Action to Protect Jerusalem and Preserve Its Historical and Legal Status

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, affirmed that protecting the city of Jerusalem and preserving its historical and legal status is a shared responsibility, calling for more effective international action to halt Israeli violations and safeguard the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. H.E. made these remarks during his participation in the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee mandated to lead international action in response to (Israel’s) illegal policies and measures in Jerusalem, held in Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

At the outset of his remarks, H.E. the Minister expressed his appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting the meeting, noting that it was being convened amid the continued escalation of (Israel’s) illegal violations in occupied Jerusalem. H.E. referred to the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the targeting of United Nations institutions—foremost among them the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East- UNRWA— as well as the continuation of settlement expansion, demolitions, forced displacement, and measures aimed at altering the city’s historical and legal status, in clear defiance of international legitimacy and relevant international resolutions.

H.E. the Minister renewed Iraq’s condemnation of these practices, stressing that they constitute a dangerous escalation that undermines prospects for de-escalation, deepens instability, and imposes unilateral realities that are inconsistent with international law, with adverse consequences for regional and international peace and security.

H.E. the Minister further noted that Iraq, in its capacity as Chair of the current session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit level, emphasizes the importance of preserving Arab and Islamic unity, strengthening coordination, and advancing joint diplomatic efforts. H.E. stressed the need to formulate a unified position regarding the measures targeting Jerusalem’s identity and historical and legal status, while pursuing effective political and diplomatic action at both the regional and international levels to halt these illegal practices and preserve the city’s historical and legal status.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with Holy Jerusalem as its capital. H.E. also reiterated Iraq’s rejection of all attempts at forced displacement, settlement expansion, and the policy of imposing a fait accompli.

H.E. the Minister further stressed the importance of respecting United Nations resolutions, complying with the decisions and measures issued by the competent international judicial bodies, ensuring the protection of civilians, enabling UNRWA to continue carrying out its humanitarian mandate, and guaranteeing the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.

H.E. also explained that Iraq’s efforts have not been limited to political positions and statements of condemnation, but have been accompanied by practical measures reflecting its national and humanitarian commitment to the brotherly Palestinian people. These include continued support for UNRWA, strengthened cooperation with the Agency, and the provision of humanitarian, medical, and relief assistance aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and supporting their resilience.

In concluding his remarks, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein reaffirmed that protecting Jerusalem and preserving its historical and legal status is a shared responsibility, stressing that the credibility of the international system is measured by its ability to uphold and enforce international law rather than merely issuing statements of condemnation. H.E. called for more effective international action to halt violations and safeguard the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in a manner that contributes to peace and stability in the region.