Israel's new settlement plans for West Bank draw international condemnation

Israel's plan to build thousands of settlements in conflict-hit West Bank has drawn international condemnation. On October 15, Israel approved  construction of 300 settlements in area, marking highest number of construction approved in one go.

However, move was deunced by five major European nations who warned that it could perpetuate long-drawn Palestine conflict. As per reports, international community is afraid that move could also jeopardise viability of proposed ‘two states’ solution, which enviss an independent Palestinian state alongside Jewish nation. 

“We are deeply concerned by decision taken by Israeli authorities to vance more than 4,900 settlement building units in occupied West Bank”, said a joint statement by foreign ministry spokespersons of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

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In dition, statement also pointed out that move would work counterproductive to recently signed Abraham Accords rmalising relations between UAE, Israel and Bahrain. Abraham Accords, which was signed in September, has been highly criticised by Palestinians. UAE has been a major supporter of largely Muslim Palestine but with signing of accord, support is expected to mitigate.

Last month, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during his dress at UN General Assembly called for an international peace conference next year to eng in a “genuine peace process” while criticising recent Arab peace accords with Israel. 

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'Difficult to achieve independence'

West Bank is a landlocked sliver of land which is bordered by Jordan and Isreal. While Israel occupied area in 1967, Palestinians claim it to be ir own. West Bank also includes area of East Jerusalem, which is one of key areas of contention owing to its religious importance.

Palestinians have repeatedly highlighted that with a rising number of settlements in West Bank, which have reached nearly 5000 by w, it has become increasingly difficult to achieve ir dream of independence.

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Im: AP