US Consulate Services Condemned Over Presence in West Bank Settlement

US Embassy Announces Consular Services for Israeli Settlement in West Bank

The United States has announced plans to provide consular services at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. The move was condemned by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, who described it as a “dangerous precedent” and a breach of international law.

According to a statement from the US embassy in Jerusalem, passport services will be offered at the Efrat settlement, located between Bethlehem and Hebron, starting on Friday. Similar services are planned for other settlements, including Beitar Illit and Ramallah.

The Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission stated that the decision constitutes a “clear violation of international law” and favors the occupation authorities. The commission noted that all Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.

In response to the announcement, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, thanking the US for strengthening its relationship with Israel. Hamas criticized the US administration, saying it is taking steps that reinforce annexation and entrench Israeli sovereignty over occupied land.

The decision comes as Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank. The government has been accused of “de facto annexation” of Palestinian land by foreign ministers from 19 countries, including Qatar, Turkey, France, Brazil, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. These countries expressed concern over Israeli plans to reclassify Palestinian land as state property.

The Efrat settlement is home to a number of American residents, and the US embassy’s decision has sparked international attention. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by Israel to consolidate its control over the West Bank.

Source: Al Jazeera