A group of Arab ministers cancelled their planned visit to Ramallah today after Israel denied them access through the occupied West Bank’s airspace. The visit aimed to show regional support for Palestine amid escalating tensions.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the cancellation in an official statement. It said the delegation included foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The statement accused Israel of deliberately blocking the delegation. It called the move a “blatant violation” of diplomatic norms and international law. The Arab ministers said the obstruction revealed “the arrogance of the Israeli government” and its disregard for peaceful dialogue.
According to Jordan’s statement, the denial of entry made it impossible for the delegation to proceed. The ministers were forced to abandon the visit despite prior arrangements.
The delegation had intended to meet with Palestinian leaders in Ramallah. They wanted to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirm support for a two-state solution.
An Israeli official, speaking to Reuters earlier, confirmed Israel’s opposition to the visit. The official said Israel “would not cooperate” with it, fearing it could be used to promote Palestinian statehood. The official added that the visit might “create political pressure” on Israel at a sensitive time.
Arab governments see the cancellation as a dangerous precedent. They say it undermines regional diplomacy and reflects Israel’s unwillingness to allow even peaceful dialogue in support of Palestine.
The Arab League had backed the visit. It was meant as part of wider diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing violence and bring international attention to the crisis.
This latest incident adds to the growing frustration across the Arab world. Many leaders are calling out Israel’s blockade policies and military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Regional analysts say the cancellation signals a broader failure of diplomacy. “Israel’s refusal to allow the delegation is not just a security issue,” said a Jordanian analyst. “It’s a message that even dialogue is being denied.”
So far, Israel has not officially responded to the Arab ministers’ statement.
Palestinian officials also reacted strongly. They accused Israel of sabotaging international efforts for peace and accountability. “This shows how far Israel will go to silence voices of solidarity,” said a Palestinian Authority spokesperson.
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Calls for international condemnation are growing. Several human rights groups say Israel’s action violates established norms that protect diplomatic missions.
The airspace over the West Bank remains under full Israeli control, despite the area being internationally recognized as occupied territory. This control gives Israel the power to block even peaceful diplomatic visits.
The Arab ministers say they will continue pushing for access and remain committed to standing with the Palestinian people. They vowed to raise the issue at upcoming regional and international forums.
The cancellation comes amid ongoing airstrikes, rising civilian deaths, and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. It highlights the deepening divide and diplomatic deadlock in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.