Date: March 14, 2026 l By: Dalena Reporters
The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its strong support for the rights of the Palestinian people while cautioning Israel over what it described as illegal actions in occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Jerusalem and other disputed areas.
In a statement issued by the continental body, the AU stressed that it remains firmly committed to the inalienable rights of Palestinians, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The organization also warned that Israel’s policies and actions that alter the political or demographic character of occupied territories violate international law and undermine peace efforts.
According to the AU, continued expansion of Israeli settlements and other unilateral measures threaten the prospects of a two-state solution, which remains the internationally recognized pathway toward resolving the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The body urged Israel to respect international law and existing United Nations resolutions governing the status of Palestinian territories.
The African Union also emphasized that illegal settlements in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, remain a major obstacle to peace and stability in the region. International legal frameworks and previous UN resolutions have consistently stated that such settlement activities violate international law and have no legal validity.
The AU’s position reflects a long-standing stance within the organization, which has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause and condemned actions that undermine Palestinian sovereignty. At recent African Union discussions, leaders reiterated calls for the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and support for Palestine’s quest for full international recognition, including membership in the United Nations.
The statement also urged the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The AU stressed that a sustainable resolution must include the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living peacefully alongside Israel.
The renewed warning from Africa’s largest political body comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing international concern about humanitarian conditions in Palestinian territories.
For many African leaders, the Palestinian issue remains closely tied to the continent’s own historical struggles against colonialism and occupation—making the AU’s continued support a significant political voice in global discussions surrounding the conflict.