Israel has blocked a delegation of Arab foreign ministers from visiting the West Bank, preventing their scheduled meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

The delegation, composed of representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aimed to express diplomatic support for Palestine amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan denounced the move, stating, “Israel’s refusal to allow the ministerial committee to visit the West Bank confirms its extremism and rejection of serious peace efforts.”

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed the criticism, calling Israel’s decision “arrogant and extremist”, adding that “the same Israeli government committing massacres in Gaza is now blocking diplomatic visits to the West Bank.”

The delegation’s visit was part of broader efforts to promote Palestinian statehood, aligning with Saudi and French plans to hold a UN conference next month to build international consensus on recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

Currently, 145 countries have recognized Palestine, including many in Eastern Europe.

Saudi officials warned that Israel’s actions would only strengthen diplomatic efforts to counter its policies, urging Western nations to formally recognize Palestine as a necessary step toward peace.

The Israeli veto comes amid growing concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, which include deepening occupation and annexation of the West Bank and Gaza.

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