Deepening Stealth: Risks surface from Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank regions
In recent developments, Israel has moved forward with its controversial "E1" plan to construct 3,412 housing units for Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem. This move, which has been criticised as a EU redline, comes amidst a series of escalating actions that have raised concerns globally.
Last month, Israel approved the construction of 22 new illegal Israeli settlements, including recognising existing informal settlements, further deepening the dismemberment and contraction of Palestinian territories in the West Bank.
The Knesset passed the 'Regularisation Law' on May 11th, facilitating the seizure of Palestinian property and land in Area C of the West Bank. This law has been met with international condemnation, as it undermines the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
Israeli forces have been sealing the entrances of cities and villages in the West Bank and establishing more checkpoints, severely restricting the movement of the 3.2 million Palestinians in the territory. This has had severe economic effects on the Palestinian Authority, turning it into little more than a mechanism of Israel security control.
The dismemberment, contraction, and isolation of Palestinian territories, coupled with the destruction of civilian infrastructure in West Bank refugee camps, have been interpreted as attempts to permanently obstruct the pathway to a two-state solution and entrench an apartheid Israeli regime.
The conflict between Israel and Iran is intensifying, capturing global attention. As a result, Israel has put the West Bank under lockdown since the conflict began on June 13th.
The situation in Gaza has also deteriorated significantly. At least 70 people were killed by the Israeli military on June 17th, a day after at least 47 people were killed in the region. These incidents have sparked calls for European countries to take action to press Israel to halt its violence in Gaza and the West Bank, reverse its escalating violence, and prevent a potential mass expulsion of its Palestinian population.
In April 2020, 26 Western states including most EU member states and the EU Commission called for measures against Israeli violations of international norms in the West Bank territories. They demanded permanent access for UN and NGOs to the area, as part of a push to address the humanitarian situation and uphold international law. The specific measures included enabling use of all crossing points and routes to deliver aid like food, shelter, fuel, clean water, and medicine, while protecting civilians and aid workers.
The EU is expected to discuss Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under its Association Agreement at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting on June 23rd.
These actions, advocated by government hardliners as a way of making a Palestinian state impossible, are not only violating international law but also destabilizing an already unstable region, risking an existential crisis for neighboring countries like Jordan.
Israel's continued campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank is a cause for global concern. It is crucial that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution, upholding international law, and ensuring the safety and security of all people in the region.
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