Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israeli measures to deepen control in West Bank

Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic countries have condemned in the strongest terms recent "illegal" Israeli decisions and measures aimed at entrenching settlement activity and Israeli control in the West Bank.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their position that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory.

They warned against the continued "expansionist Israeli policies" and illegal measures pursued by the Israeli government in the occupied West Bank, voicing "absolute rejection of these illegal actions."

The ministers said Israeli measures constitute a blatant violation of international law and undermine the two-state solution, adding that such actions also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.

The statement urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities to compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank.

On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved several decisions aimed at altering the legal and civil status of the West Bank and strengthening Israeli control over the territory.

Among the controversial measures approved, the cabinet decided to repeal a law banning land sales to Jews, to remove the requirement for special transaction permits, and to revive a state land acquisition committee that had been inactive for about two decades.

Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War. The settlements it has built there and its ongoing military occupation are widely regarded as illegal under international law.

Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned that measures expanding settlements and extending Israeli civilian authority in the West Bank undermine prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israeli measures to deepen control in West Bank

The Bhumjaithai Party has emerged as the largest party in Thailand's House of Representatives, according to preliminary results released by the country's Election Commission on Monday.

As of 94 percent vote counting the Bhumjaithai Party captured 193 seats.

"Bhumjaithai's victory today is a victory for all Thais, whether you voted for Bhumjaithai Party or not," said Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party at a press conference on Sunday.

Thai political analyst said the desire for stability is the key for Anutin's election success.

"What determined the winning of the election this time is the nationalist sentiments, the conflict that we have with Cambodia, the stability that they need at this particular point. And I think for the rural voters who actually voted more for Bhumjaithai, for them, I think they need a safety net which is not about large economic reforms, but they need something which is closer to them," said Virot Ari, a political analyst at Bangkok’s Thammasat University.

Since the Bhumjaithai Party failed to secure more than half of the seats in the lower house, it has to form a coalition government with other political parties.

The People's Party and the Pheu Thai Party ranked second and third, respectively, with 118 and 74 seats. The Kla Tham Party and the Democratic Party each got 58 and 22 seats, taking fourth and fifth positions.

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of Thailand's People's Party, told the press on Sunday that the party is ready to act as the opposition party.

"No matter the reasons behind how people voted today, the People's Party is ready to continue working in politics, to rebuild political institutions, and to push forward policies for all people," he said.

Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party prepares for coalition talks after election win