RIYADH — Arab countries on Friday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, rejecting the move as a violation of international law and reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Saudi Arabia said Israel’s decision entrenches “unilateral, separatist measures” and contradicts international law. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the Kingdom’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and the unity and integrity of its territory, while rejecting any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine stability.

Palestine also rejected the move, warning it threatens Arab and regional security.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it fully supports Somalia’s unity and political independence in line with international law, Arab consensus, and decisions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

It added that legitimizing secession undermines Somalia’s stability and fits what it described as broader Israeli efforts to destabilize the region.

Egypt said it coordinated with regional partners to oppose the recognition.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held calls with counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye, and Djibouti to discuss what it called dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa. The ministers agreed on a complete rejection of the move and stressed respect for the UN Charter and international law.

Kuwait said the recognition violates international law and reaffirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and legitimate state institutions.

Iraq, chairing the current session of the Arab League, called the move a blatant violation of state sovereignty that threatens stability in the Horn of Africa.

Jordan rejected any attempt to impose parallel entities that threaten Somalia’s unity, while Qatar described Israel’s step as a dangerous precedent and a unilateral act that infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Doha urged Israel to instead recognize the State of Palestine and work to end the war in Gaza.

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the United Nations.

The Somali government considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and rejects any direct engagement with the region as a violation of its sovereignty. — Agencies