The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) today called on the international community to take immediate and deterrent measures to stop the provocative calls and dangerous practices of the Israeli occupation forces aimed at deepening settlement and annexing the occupied West Bank.

Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Council, said in a statement that these provocative calls, issued by an Israeli occupation government minister, confirm the ongoing and systematic approach of the occupation to destabilize security and stability in the region.

He added that this reflects the occupation’s insistence on undermining peace prospects, its blatant defiance of international charters, and its continued violation of all laws and norms.

The GCC affirmed its support for the Palestinian people in confronting these aggressive statements and practices, and in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the establishment of their independent state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Earlier today, Smotrich threatened that his country would not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state, regardless of the challenges ahead.

Smotrich said in televised remarks on Wednesday: “We will destroy the Palestinian Authority if it tries to harm us.”

He also stressed the necessity of preventing Hamas from regaining strength in the Gaza Strip, pointing to the need to impose Israeli sovereignty over all West Bank territories.