OSLO: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas called Wednesday for a “firm response” from the United States and the international community to Israel’s plan to tighten its control of the occupied West Bank.
During a visit to Oslo, Abbas said he had discussed the issue with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, as well as those of Israeli settler violence and Israel’s freezing of “$4 billion” intended for the Palestinian people.
“These serious violations require a firm response from the US administration and the international community because they hinder (US) President (Donald) Trump’s efforts and constitute a violation of international law,” Abbas told reporters.
On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet approved a series of measures that would allow Israel to expand its control in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority under the Oslo accords in place since the 1990s.
The plans, which have sparked international outrage, would also allow Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land directly and allow Israeli authorities to administer certain religious sites even when they are located in areas under Palestinian Authority control.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.
Excluding Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts across the West Bank, which are illegal under international law.
Around three million Palestinians live in the territory.
Palestinian leader Abbas urges ‘firm’ US response to Israel’s West Bank plan
https://arab.news/yg63p
Palestinian leader Abbas urges ‘firm’ US response to Israel’s West Bank plan
- During visit to Oslo, Abbas said he had discussed the issue with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store
- Israel’s security cabinet approved a series of measures that would allow Israel to expand its control in areas of the occupied territory
UAE air defences intercept 12 ballistic missiles, 17 drones
DUBAI: UAE air defenses on Monday detected 15 ballistic missiles, of which 12 were destroyed, while 3 missiles fell into the sea, the ministry of defense said in a statement on ‘X’.
A total of 18 drones were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while 1 fell within the country’s territory.
Since the start of the Iranian attacks, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 233 were destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and 2 landed within the country.
A total of 1,440 Iranian drones have also been detected, of which 1,359 were intercepted, while 81 fell within the country’s territory. 8 cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.
These attacks resulted in 4 deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 117 people sustained minor injuries.
The Ministry of Defense affirmed that it remains fully prepared to deal with any threats and will respond firmly to any attempts to undermine the country’s security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguarding its national interests and capabilities.
