The UN Secretary-General has called on Israel to scrap plans to
annex parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could occur as
early as next week.
“We are at a watershed moment”, António Guterres told a virtual
meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday.
“If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious
violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a
two-State solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of
negotiations. I call on the Israeli Government to abandon its
annexation plans.”
Farther than ever from peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made annexation a major
pledge during campaigning, ahead of the latest round of national
elections held in March.
The proposal would see sovereignty extended to roughly 30 per
cent of the West Bank, covering most of the Jordan Valley and
hundreds of illegal Israeli settlements.
In response, Palestinian leaders have cut ties with Israel and
the United States, which backed the plan.
The UN envoy for the Middle East, Nikolay Mladenov, warned the
Council that three decades of international peace efforts could
be at stake.
“Recognising that both peoples have a right to live in their
ancestral home, 27 years ago Israeli and Palestinian leaders
agreed to embark on a noble but difficult road, to resolve the
conflict through negotiations, without taking unilateral action,
and in order to reach a final status agreement on a just peace”,
he recalled, speaking from Jerusalem.
“Today we are further than ever from this goal.”
Fears of instability
Mr. Mladenov reported that the Palestinian Authority has now
stopped accepting taxes Israel collects on its behalf.
The resulting 80 per cent drop in monthly revenue has added to
economic fragility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, amid reduced
donor support to UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestinians.
He added that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been
living under the control of extremist group Hamas, following a
rift more than a decade ago, are especially vulnerable.
“The UN and other international organizations are increasingly
being asked to perform coordination responsibilities. While we
are prepared to provide support on an emergency basis, the UN
cannot replace the Palestinian Authority. It is critical that
humanitarian and other assistance not be delayed or stopped”, he
said.
Window still open
In supporting the Secretary-General’s appeal to Israel, Mr.
Mladenov feared annexation could trigger instability across the
occupied Palestinian territory and even beyond.
He urged the international community to work to get the parties
to step back and continue the dialogue towards peace.
“In the coming weeks, decisions may be reached that will do
irreparable damage to Palestinian and Israeli societies, to the
security and economic wellbeing of both peoples”, he said.
“This bleak vision, however, is not yet a fait accompli. The
window is closing, but there is still time to avert chaos. It
will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders and the will
to take political risks to achieve peace.”
