Ramallah: The Palestinian Presidency on Wednesday issued a warning about the risks associated with settlement plans orchestrated by Israeli settler groups in the occupied West Bank. These plans, backed by the Israeli government, aim to seize 100 locations across the territory, potentially nullifying the Oslo Accords.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Presidency's statement described the plans as a dangerous escalation and an intensification of Israel's annexation and settlement strategies. It labeled these actions as blatant violations of international law and resolutions, highlighting the far-right Israeli government's intent to dismantle prospects for peace and stability.
The statement further accused the Israeli government of imposing its will by force in the occupied Palestinian territory, openly defying the international community. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine the two-state solution and international endeavors to end the occupation.
The Presidency reiterated that all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, are illegal according to international law and void under United Nations resolutions, notably UN Security Council Resolution 2334. It emphasized that these activities will not confer any rights or sovereignty to Israel over Palestinian land nor change the legal and historical status of the occupied territory.
Holding the Israeli government fully accountable for the dangerous outcomes of its continued settlement expansion, the statement urged the international community, especially the US administration, to take immediate and decisive actions to compel Israel to cease all settlement activities and adhere to international law.
The Presidency affirmed that the Palestinian people will persist in their resilience on their land, defending their legitimate national rights. It stressed that the occupation and settlement activities will eventually end. The establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders and in line with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, remains the sole path to achieving lasting security, stability, and peace in the region.