Condemnations of Israeli West Bank 'annexation' bill continue
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A coalition of countries has praised the ICJ advisory opinion declaring the occupation and settlements illegal under international law.
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Israeli soldiers guard a bus station at the Tapuach junction next to the West Bank city of Nablus, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. (AP)
A coalition of countries and international organizations issued a joint statement condemning in the strongest terms the Israeli Knesset’s recent approval of two draft laws seeking to impose so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank.
The signatories include Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Gambia, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The statement called the "annexation" attempt a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which denounces all actions by “Israel” aimed at altering the demographic composition and status of the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including "East al-Quds".
Read more: Smotrich, Netanyahu push Gaza-West Bank 'annexation' with US backing
Support for ICJ advisory opinion on illegality of occupation
The joint statement also welcomed the October 22 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which reaffirmed the illegality of “Israel’s” occupation, settlement expansion, and "annexation" attempts in the West Bank.
The ICJ advisory opinion declared that “Israel” has no "sovereignty" over the occupied Palestinian territories and reiterated the responsibilities of the occupying power under international humanitarian law.
It emphasized the need to ensure access to essential goods and services in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, and stressed the duty to cooperate with United Nations humanitarian agencies, particularly UNRWA.
The Court also confirmed that the use of starvation as a weapon, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, mass forcible transfers, and the imposition of unbearable living conditions are violations of international law. It further reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and independent statehood.
The countries and organizations that signed the joint statement urged the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities. They called on all states to take immediate action to compel “Israel” to cease its illegal practices, halt its dangerous escalation, and respect the rights of the Palestinian people.
The statement concluded by reiterating the call for a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with "East al-Quds" as its capital. It emphasized that such a resolution remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace in the region.
Read more: Netanyahu suspends 'sovereignty' bill for the time being amid backlash
Baghaei warns against Israeli occupation tactics
On his part, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued warnings during a press statement on Thursday against the continued colonial expansionist policy pursued by "Israel" in the West Bank.
Baghaei condemned the Israeli Knesset's approval of the West Bank “annexation” bill, stating it is a “blatant violation of UN resolutions.”
He further added that the decision is "an extension of eight decades of violations of the rights of the Palestinian people and international laws by the Zionist entity," further warning that “Israel” seeks to execute a plan of ethnic cleansing in Palestine. In this context, he held the international community responsible and called upon it to take countermeasures.
