ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed their condemnation of the Israeli government's decision to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights and called on the international community to denounce Israel's violations.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirming that the Golan is Syrian Arab land under occupation.

The State of Qatar said the series of Israeli attacks on Syrian territories following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last week was a blatant violation of international law.

On Sunday, Israel stated its intention to double its population on the Golan Heights to counter the potential threat posed by Syria's new rebel leaders.

In a statement carried by the Qatar News Agency on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to the international community to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to stop its attacks on Syrian lands, as well as to stand in solidarity to counter Israel's opportunistic plans.

The ministry reiterated the State of Qatar's unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and expressed its backing for all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in Syria and fulfilling the aspirations of its people.