Muslim Bloc Condemns Israel’s Somaliland Move As UN Security Council Prepares Emergency Rebuke

A coalition of 21 mostly Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Saturday night condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move announced Friday that has triggered swift international backlash. The signatories include Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran.

Absent from the statement were the three Abraham Accords countries that normalized relations with Israel in 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, as well as Lebanon and Syria, which also declined to join the condemnation.

In their declaration, the 21 countries, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, warned of “the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure[s] on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole, which also reflects Israel’s full and blatant disregard for international law.”

The statement further argues that “the recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent and threatens international peace and security, and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

The countries also voiced opposition to any efforts to expel Palestinians from Gaza, amid reports that Somaliland has been floated as a potential destination for Gazans seeking to emigrate from the war-ravaged Strip.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency session to address Israel’s decision, with diplomats indicating that members are expected to sharply criticize Jerusalem’s move. The development comes just days before Somalia is scheduled to assume the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

Responding to the mounting criticism, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said in a statement, “Israel will act responsibly and we will continue to cooperate with partners who contribute to regional stability.”