The Arab League Condemns Israeli Cabinet Decisions in the West Bank
The recent decisions made by the Israeli cabinet regarding the Palestinian Authority’s powers in Area B, movement restrictions on authority officials, and the initiation of settlement construction in the West Bank have sparked strong condemnation from Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. These actions have been deemed as a complete overturn of the Oslo Accords, signaling a return to a pre-agreement state and reinforcing what is seen as a blatant occupation.
In response to these decisions, Gamal Roshdy, the spokesman for the secretary-general, emphasized the need for the international community to recognize the Israeli government as a right-wing, racist administration that is not interested in pursuing peace. Aboul Gheit has highlighted the Israeli government’s intentions to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, solidify the occupation in the West Bank, and eliminate Palestinian control, particularly in Area B as outlined in the Oslo Accords.
Roshdy further pointed out that these recent actions reflect the Israeli government’s complete alignment with the extreme right, as exemplified by the minister of finance. The decisions made by the Israeli government are viewed as an attempt to undermine the international community’s efforts to expand recognition of the Palestinian state and erode the foundations of the two-state solution. Such actions are believed to exacerbate tensions in the West Bank, rolling back progress made since the Oslo Accords and imposing what can only be described as an apartheid-like regime on the Palestinians.
Egypt has also joined in criticizing the Israeli government’s move to legalize five settlements in the West Bank. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt condemned Israel’s decision to approve the legalization of these settlements and its plans for constructing thousands of new settlement units. These actions are viewed as a continuation of Israel’s policy of violating international law and UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334.
Egypt strongly denounced Israel’s exploitation of the conflict in Gaza to further its illegal settlement expansion and alter the legal status of occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The Egyptian government has highlighted that Israel’s ongoing illegal actions aim to undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, which is seen as the only path towards comprehensive and lasting peace based on respecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Calling on the international community to intervene, Egypt has urged for measures to halt Israel’s illegal practices and violations of Palestinian rights. Additionally, Egypt has emphasized the need for intensified efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In conclusion, the condemnation from Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Egypt underscores the gravity of the recent Israeli cabinet decisions in the West Bank. These actions not only threaten to derail peace efforts but also exacerbate tensions in the region. It is imperative for the international community to take a stand against such violations of international law and work towards a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.