🏛️ Israel expands control in the West Bank amid international condemnation

Oneliner

Israel's Security Cabinet has approved measures to extend civil authority over parts of the West Bank, facilitating land purchases for Israeli settlers. The EU and eight Muslim-majority countries condemned the actions, citing legal violations and risks to the two-state solution. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of severe implications for Palestinian governance and called for international intervention. The reforms are seen as a significant step towards de facto annexation, raising concerns about the future of Palestinian rights and self-determination.

Key points

• Israel's Security Cabinet approved measures to extend civil authority over parts of the West Bank.
• The EU and eight Muslim-majority countries condemned the actions, citing legal and diplomatic concerns.
• The reforms aim to facilitate land purchases for Israeli settlers and undermine Palestinian governance.
• Palestinian President Abbas warned of grave implications, calling for international intervention.

Links

• El País: Israel acelera el control sobre Cisjordania con medidas para la extensión de las colonias judías
• Al Jazeera: World's biggest shipping company facilitates trade from Israeli settlements
• ANSA: Ue, 'condanniamo la decisione di Israele di espandere il controllo in Cisgiordania' - Altre news - Ansa.it
• Euronews: Israeli policy in West Bank 'close to ethnic cleansing' - Olmert
• Al Jazeera: Muslim countries slam Israel for 'illegal annexation' push in West Bank

Facts

• The measures affect approximately 40% of the West Bank designated for Palestinian governance.
• The EU condemned the actions as illegal under international law.
• Eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement denouncing Israel's expansion efforts.
• Over 700,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Quotes

• The decisions represent a continuation of the Israeli government’s war against the Palestinians — Mahmoud Abbas
• This move represents a further step in the wrong direction — EU spokesperson
• We are consolidating Israeli sovereignty on the ground de facto — Yesha Council representative

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