DPRK accuses 'Israel' of attempting to 'steal' Palestinian territory

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Apr 2025 10:52

The state-run Korean Central News Agency blamed the US for enabling "Israel’s" actions, citing comments by President Trump suggesting that the US would "take over" Gaza once the war there ends.

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A partial view shows tents housing displaced Palestinians on the campus of the Islamic University in Gaza City on April 16, 2025 (AFP)

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday condemned "Israel’s" renewed military operations in the Gaza Strip, accusing it of overtly attempting to seize Palestinian territory.

In a commentary issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the DPRK criticized "Israel" for resuming its war on the enclave in mid-March after a ceasefire with the Palestinian Resistance collapsed.

"Israel’s" Security Minister, Israel Katz, has stated that Israeli forces will remain in the “security zones” established through territorial advances in Gaza, even after the war ends.

KCNA accused Tel Aviv of having "ambitions to steal territory," pointing out that "Israel" is no longer concealing its intent to dominate Palestine.

The agency also blamed the United States for enabling "Israel’s" actions, citing comments by President Donald Trump suggesting that the US would "take over" Gaza once the war there ends.

The DPRK's official news agency described "Israel’s" military actions—backed by Washington—as “reckless", arguing they clearly reveal who bears responsibility for undermining global peace and stability.

China, Malaysia stress Gaza belongs to Palestinians

In a related context, China and Malaysia have jointly denounced plans to forcibly displace Gaza’s population and reiterated their support for an independent Palestinian state based on the "two-state solution".

The declaration was made in a joint statement on Thursday, coinciding with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia.

According to the statement, both nations emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and belongs to the Palestinian people.

They underscored that post-war governance in Gaza must adhere to the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine,” strongly opposing the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents.

China and Malaysia called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the framework of the "two-state solution" and supported Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.

Macron calls for disarming, sidelining Hamas

A couple of days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron called for "reforms" to the Palestinian Authority as part of a broader plan that envisions the Ramallah-based body taking over governance of post-war Gaza in place of Hamas.

France is among several European nations that support the return of Gaza to Palestinian Authority control, ending nearly two decades of Hamas rule in the territory.

"It is essential to set a framework for the day after: disarm and sideline Hamas, define credible governance and reform the Palestinian Authority," Macron said on X.

Je viens de parler avec le Président de l’Autorité palestinienne Mahmoud Abbas.

La France est pleinement mobilisée pour obtenir la libération de tous les otages, le retour d’un cessez-le-feu durable et un accès immédiat de l’aide humanitaire vers Gaza.

Il est essentiel de bâtir…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 14, 2025

"This should allow progress towards a two-state political solution, with a view to the peace conference in June, in the service of peace and security for all," he added.

The French president had previously said that his country may take the unprecedented step of recognizing a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations conference in New York, a declaration that drew condemnation from the Israeli occupation entity.