WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday condemned Israel’s approval of a settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, pointing to its harm to prospects for a Palestinian state.
Far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the move on Wednesday, openly saying that Israel hoped to create new “facts on the ground” to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
“Every single one of these new settlements would impede Palestinian economic development and freedom of movement and undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.
“We find that to be inconsistent with international law, and we certainly oppose the advancement of settlements in the West Bank,” he said.
The United States has stepped up criticism of Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who oppose a plan by President Joe Biden aimed at ending the 10-month Gaza war.
All of Israel’s settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law.
The Biden administration has repeatedly criticized the expansion of settlements, including before the Gaza war, although it has not taken direct retaliatory measures against its close ally.
The previous administration of Donald Trump broke with US precedent by saying that it did not see the settlements as illegal.
US criticizes Israel settlement on West Bank heritage site
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US criticizes Israel settlement on West Bank heritage site
- “Every single one of these new settlements would impede Palestinian economic development,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said
- “We find that to be inconsistent with international law”
About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque
- Palestinians are observing Ramadan amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank
- Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month
LONDON: Nearly 50,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Ramadan Taraweeh prayers on Sunday evening at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem.
Thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa despite facing Israeli military checkpoints and strict identity checks at the mosque’s gates, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
Palestinians are observing the fasting month of Ramadan, which began last Wednesday, amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, including attacks by settlers, and Israeli raids and arrests.
Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, the Wafa news agency reported.
Israeli forces have increased their military presence in Jerusalem and restricted access to Al-Aqsa to children under 12, men over 55, and women over 50.
Since Wednesday, thousands of Palestinians have lined up to pass through military checkpoints, including Qalandiya and Bethlehem, in hopes of attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
