New Israeli land laws ‘counterproductive, incompatible with international law’: EU
The new land rules approved by Israel’s security cabinet for the occupied West Bank are “counterproductive and incompatible with international law”, the EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Dubravka Suica and Hadja Lahbib have said in a joint statement.
They said that the rules which make it easier for Israeli Jews to buy property in the illegally occupied territory “risk undermining ongoing international efforts aimed at stabilisation and the advancement of peaceful efforts in the region”.
“The EU has a long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied since June 1967, in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions.
“Moreover, the decisions affecting the implementation of the Hebron Protocol between Israel and the Palestinian Authority put at risk the sensitive status quo of religious sites.”
Canada says it opposes Israel’s new occupied West Bank law
Canada has condemned the Israeli security cabinet’s recent decision to approve measures to expand Israeli control over the occupied West Bank.
“These measures contravene international law, undermine the prospects for peace, and erode the viability of a Palestinian state,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said. “We call on Israel to reverse this decision and immediately halt settlement expansion.”
The ministry reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the conflict.
Arab League, OIC call for meeting of the UN Security Council
More than 25 ambassadors gathered outside the UN Security Council with a unified message of condemnation after Israel announced it would unlawfully expand its control over the occupied West Bank and make it easier for settlers to illegally seize land.
The Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have signed a letter circulating at the UN, calling for, among other things, an urgent meeting of the Security Council on the matter. Talks are under way for when that meeting might happen.
Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday, where the future of the occupied West Bank is likely to be a topic of discussion.
For the ambassadors, there is a real sense of urgency to take all necessary steps soon to leverage diplomatic channels and stop Israel from pursuing this plan further, which would be tantamount to annexation of the occupied West Bank.
