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Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq have denounced Israel's plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, calling it a "violation" of Syria's sovereignty and international law.

In separate statements, the Arab states emphasised the dangers of rising tensions in the region, urging the international community to "reject" Israel's actions and to uphold Syria's territorial integrity and security.

They reaffirmed their commitment to Syria's sovereignty and called for international efforts to achieve peace, stability, and the fulfilment of the Syrian people's aspirations.

The comments came after the Israeli government approved a plan to promote the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza - said the move was "necessary" after Islamist rebels ousted the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad a week ago.

Egypt

Egypt's foreign ministry described the Israeli plan as an "insistence on imposing a fait accompli policy" and proof that Israel "lacks the will to achieve a just peace in the region", in a .

Israel's settlement expansion, "seizure of Arab lands, and demographic changes" constitute a "blatant violation" of international law and conventions, the statement said.

Egypt urged influential international actors and the UN Security Council to reject these "violations" of Syrian sovereignty and take action to "halt Israeli settlement activities".

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia also denounced the Israeli plan, describing it as part of the "ongoing sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria", in on Sunday.

The Saudi foreign ministry reiterated the kingdom's call for the international community to condemn these "Israeli violations," stressing the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry also reaffirmed that the Golan Heights remains "occupied Arab Syrian territory".

The UAE

Similarly, the United Arab Emirates' the Israeli move, warning that such actions "risk further escalation and tension in the region".

The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to Syria's unity, independence, and territorial integrity, calling the Israeli decision an "insistence on perpetuating occupation" and a "violation of international law." The ministry also expressed the UAE's "complete rejection" of any measures aimed at "altering the legal status" of the occupied Golan Heights.

Qatar

Ìýthe Israeli move, describing it as "another episode in the series of Israeli aggression on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".

The Qatari foreign ministry called on the international community to "assume its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring the Israeli occupation to halt its aggressions on Syrian territories" and comply with international resolutions.Ìý

The ministry reaffirmed Qatar's longstanding stance of supporting Syria's sovereignty, unity, and security, while endorsing efforts to achieve stability and fulfil the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Iraq

the Israeli decision, denouncing the "settlement policy" in the occupied Golan Heights.

The Iraqi foreign ministry reaffirmed in a statement on Sunday that the Golan Heights was "occupied Syrian territory," declaring that any attempts to "alter its legal or demographic status" are "null and illegitimate".

The ministry urged the international community to condemn "the ongoing violations by the Israeli entity" and to take meaningful action to protect Syria's unity and sovereignty, ensuring peace and stability in the region.