Israeli flags on Golan Heights
Photo: AFP
Gulf states reject US recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli
Washington's regional allies - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait - all issued statements reaffirming their position that Golan Heights belong to Syria after President Trump signed a decree recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the territory
Four Gulf Arab states on Tuesday rejected a US decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights,
with Riyadh warning the move would hurt the peace process and affect regional stability.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait - all regional allies of Washington that host American troops - criticised the move by President Donald Trump to recognise Israel's 1981 annexation, and said the territory was occupied Arab land.
"It will have significant negative effects on the peace process in the Middle East and the security and stability of the region," a statement on Saudi Arabia's state news agency SPA said.
Israeli flags on Golan Heights (Photo: AFP)
It described Monday's declaration as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and of international law.
Kuwait and Bahrain said they regretted the decision while Qatar called on Israel to end its occupation of the Golan Heights and comply with international resolutions.
"Bahrain's foreign ministry reaffirms its position that Golan Heights are an Arab and Syrian territories, occupied by Israel since June 1967, as it is confirmed by the resolutions of the UN Security Council," the Bahrain ministry said in a statement.
Trump signing declaation on Golan
Trump, with visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looking over his shoulder during a visit to Washington, signed a proclamation on Monday officially granting US recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.
Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East War.
