Arab countries denounce Colombia's opening of embassy in West Jerusalem

Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria denounced Colombia's opening of an embassy in West Jerusalem on Wednesday, arguing it defies international law and jeopardizes Jerusalem's historical and legal standing. Jordanian officials emphasized that any action aiming to alter Jerusalem's status is void and illegal, advocating for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry described the move as a "blatant violation of international law" and reiterated demands for the international community to halt illegal Israeli policies. Algeria echoed these sentiments, warning that the decision could undermine the two-state solution and heighten regional tensions. Colombia had previously informed the UN in 1980 that it would relocate its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, a move mirrored this year after 46 years.

The US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, Nauru, and Somaliland have followed Colombia's lead by opening embassies in Jerusalem, despite Palestine's claim that East Jerusalem should be the capital of a future Palestinian state, aligning with international consensus and UN resolutions.