Saudi Arabia: Trump Understands The Risks Of West Bank Annexation By Israel

DOC UN/Hundreds of Palestinian families continue to leave Gaza City via Al Rashid Street

JAKARTA - Arab countries and Muslims have warned Donald Trump of the serious consequences of Israel's annexation of the West Bank.

Speaking to reporters at the White House later, Trump hinted he had received the message.

"I will not let Israel annex the West Bank," Trump said.

Trump met with leaders and officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the war that has lasted for nearly two years in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas.

The meeting took place at the United Nations on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly.

" Arab and Muslim countries have made it very clear to the president about the dangers of annexation in any form in the West Bank, and the risks it poses, not only for the potential peace in Gaza, but also for overall sustainable peace," said Saudi Arabia's Secretary of State, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud.

"And I believe that President Trump understands the position of Arab and Muslim countries, and I think the president in the US understands the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank."

Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would propose to the cabinet to apply sovereignty over Israel's occupied West Bank, an act that de factoically represents an annexation of land captured in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.