Islamic nations condemn Israeli parliament’s move on West Bank annexation

Arab and Islamic countries have condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a motion calling for the imposition of so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank. The non-binding vote in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, was backed by members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition and some opposition politicians. Widely […]

Arab and Islamic countries have condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a motion calling for the imposition of so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank.

The non-binding vote in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, was backed by members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition and some opposition politicians.

Widely viewed in Israel as purely symbolic, the decision nonetheless makes clear the readiness of many in the country to shun a two-state solution, the diplomatic route backed by most of the international community to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Knesset’s decision comes as security in the West Bank deteriorates, with widespread Israeli army operations, militant attacks, settler violence, and land grabs all happening at an accelerated rate. 

There is a widespread belief that Israel’s expanded presence in the region, whether in the form of the military or settlers, has already led to a de facto annexation in many parts.

The move is “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international law and a flagrant violation of relevant Security Council resolutions”, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation said in a joint statement.

They also emphasised that such Israeli measures “will only fuel the growing tension in the region, exacerbated by the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe”.

They called on the international community, including the UN Security Council, to assume their “legal and moral responsibilities” and take urgent action to halt illegal Israeli policies “aimed at imposing a fait accompli by force, undermining the prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace, and eliminating the prospect of a two-state solution”.

They also renewed their commitment to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (The National)