Nations reject Colombia’s embassy move in occupied Jerusalem

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Foreign ministers from multiple Middle Eastern, North African, and Southeast Asian countries condemned Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions. They emphasized that this move undermines efforts toward a two-state solution and reaffirmed that Jerusalem’s status must be resolved through negotiations.

Foreign ministers from a coalition of countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia have condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The ministers from Qatar, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen jointly issued a statement denouncing the move, describing it as a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.

The group emphasized that Colombia’s embassy inauguration in Jerusalem contravenes key United Nations Security Council resolutions, notably Resolutions 476 and 478 from 1980. These resolutions reject any attempt to alter the status or character of Jerusalem and call for member states to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in the city. The ministers underscored that such actions undermine ongoing international efforts aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace through a two-state solution.

They reiterated their stance that Jerusalem, as territory occupied by Israel since 1967, holds a unique legal and historical status under international law. Any decisions or measures attempting to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel were declared null and without legal effect.

This development follows a broader trend of contested diplomatic moves involving Jerusalem, a city of profound significance to Israelis and Palestinians. The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive issues in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Colombia has proceeded with the embassy opening, the joint statement from the coalition of ministers affirms adherence to the established international consensus that Jerusalem’s status should be resolved through negotiations, reflecting its disputed and complex nature. The ministers’ rejection aligns with the positions held by numerous countries and international organizations that view such unilateral diplomatic changes as obstacles to peace efforts.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.