The US has expressed concern over the legalization of nine previously unapproved settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank by Israel’s new right-wing government. “We are clearly opposed to such unilateral measures,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Washington on Monday. “They heighten tensions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution through negotiations.” The Israeli security cabinet had previously decided to legalize the nine settlements after deadly attacks by Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
Israel’s settlement policy is highly controversial. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1967. In total, more than 600,000 settlers live there today. The Palestinians claim the territories for an independent state of Palestine with the Arab-influenced eastern part of Jerusalem as its capital. The goal of a two-state solution means that a state of Israel and a state of Palestine will one day peacefully coexist.
Israel distinguishes between settlements created with government approval and “wild settlements”, which are intended to be legalized retroactively. Internationally, however, all settlements are illegal. At the end of 2016, the UN Security Council called on Israel to completely end settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is extremely tense. Nine Israelis and a Ukrainian have been killed in attacks since the beginning of this year. Since early January, 47 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli army raids and their own attacks. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
