Arab Parliament backs Somalia, rejects Somaliland embassy opening in Jerusalem

Wednesday June 17, 2026

Cairo (HOL) — The Arab Parliament on Tuesday condemned Somaliland’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move a violation of international law and relevant international resolutions on the status of the city.

In a statement, the Arab Parliament said the step was illegal and undermined the historical and legal status of occupied Jerusalem.

The body said it “completely rejects any unilateral, illegitimate, and invalid measures aimed at entrenching an internationally unrecognized status and contravening the rules of international law and relevant U.N. resolutions.”

It said any attempt to alter the historical or legal status of occupied Jerusalem is “null and void” and has no legal effect.

The Arab Parliament also reaffirmed its support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

It rejected any unilateral actions it said infringe on Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

The statement called on the international community to assume its political, legal and moral responsibilities in response to such actions, saying they threaten the unity and sovereignty of states and the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.

The condemnation follows the opening of a Somaliland mission in Jerusalem after Israel reportedly recognized Somaliland’s independence.

Somalia’s federal government has strongly rejected Somaliland’s ties with Israel, saying any foreign engagement with the breakaway region outside Mogadishu’s authority violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated with its own government, security forces and election institutions. Somalia rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and says the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.