Abbas Warns Against Annexation of the West Bank and Calls on Washington for a Firm Response
In a notable political move from Oslo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a strong message to Washington and the international community, demanding a strong stance regarding what he described as accelerating Israeli measures to strengthen control over the West Bank, warning that these pave the way for actual annexation that undermines the two-state solution.
Abbas's statements came yesterday during an official visit to Norway, where he met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and discussed the recent decision of the Israeli security cabinet.
The Palestinian president confirmed in a press conference that what is happening represents "serious violations" that require decisive action from the U.S. administration and the international community, considering that these steps not only violate international law but also hinder U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to revive the peace process.
Abbas explained that among the measures approved by Israel is allowing Jewish Israelis to purchase land in the occupied West Bank, in addition to transferring the authority to issue building permits in settlements within parts of Palestinian cities, including Hebron, from municipal bodies affiliated with the Palestinian Authority to Israeli authorities.
He also pointed to the escalation of settler violence and Israel's withholding of four billion dollars in aid designated for the Palestinian people.
The Israeli security cabinet approved these plans on Sunday, which are considered, according to observers, a practical step to enhance Israeli influence on the ground.
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts in the West Bank that international law considers illegal, alongside nearly three million Palestinians.
As for East Jerusalem, Israel previously annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community.
The Israeli actions have sparked rapid international reactions; the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned that tightening control over the West Bank and expanding settlements constitutes a step towards entrenching illegal annexation.
Germany also criticized these plans, describing them as "an additional step towards actual annexation" of the West Bank.
In light of these developments, fears are rising that the new measures will lead to a radical change in the field and political reality, placing the future of the Palestinian state and the two-state solution before unprecedented challenges, and complicating the regional scene in a phase described as highly sensitive.
