Trump Opposes Israeli Annexation of Occupied West Bank

US President Donald Trump’s administration has stated that stability in the Palestinian territory is seen as a key objective for achieving peace in the region. According to a White House official, this goal aligns with the current administration’s policy.

On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet approved new measures aimed at increasing control over the occupied West Bank. These measures also make it easier for Israelis to acquire land for new settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

In response to these developments, eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions as an attempt to impose “unlawful Israeli sovereignty” over Palestinian territory. The countries included Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also spoken out against Israel’s actions, describing them as “destabilizing” and corrosive to the prospects for a two-state solution. The UK government has called on Israel to reverse its decision, stating that any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic makeup of Palestine is “wholly unacceptable” and would be inconsistent with international law.

The Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the new measures on Sunday, sparking international outrage. The US President has been reported to oppose Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank.

Source: Al Jazeera