More than 80 countries at the United Nations condemned Israel’s reported plans to designate large parts of the occupied West Bank as state property, warning that the move could further entrench tensions in the region.
The joint condemnation, which included South Africa, came amid concerns that the decision could alter the territory’s demographics and undermine prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Speaking to VOC News, Ahmed Jazbhay, Executive Member of the Media Review Network, said the move signalled a continuation of long-standing policies.
“This is just another very unsubtle way of stealing more land from the West Bank, which since 1967 has already lost more than 50 percent of its territory due to illegal settlements and other measures that have undermined Palestinian existence,” Jazbhay said.
Jazbhay argued that the West Bank had effectively been under Israeli control for decades.
“If anyone wanted to know whether the two-state solution is still viable, they have their answer,” he said.
While welcoming the joint statement by dozens of countries, he questioned whether condemnation alone would have any meaningful impact.
“Mere condemnation from many countries around the world is not going to do much, given that Israel has the backing of the United States of America.”
Jazbhay called for tangible steps beyond statements.
“If these condemnations are to have any bite, they need to be put into action through sanctions,” he said, adding that individual countries could also consider economic measures.
Photo: Sourced
