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INTERNATIONAL REACTION TO ISRAELI ANNEXATION PLANS Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald TD, calls on Irish Government to oppose Israeli annexation and recognise the State of Palestine In a letter addressed to the Taoiseach, ic and moral obligation to act. Failure to Micheál Martin, Sinn Féin President, Mary do so is a perverse incentive for Israeli Lou McDonald TD, has called on the Irish authorities to continue flouting inter- Government to condemn Israeli annexation national law and to consistently breach plans and recognise the State of Palestine. UN resolutions. The absence of effective She said: international sanctions has emboldened “The Programme for Government aggressive and oppressive actions by the commits to play a strong role in promot- Israeli government against the Palestinian ing peace and international partnership Authority, and its citizens across the West through the United Nations and other international opposition to these plans, bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. international organisations, and to protect including from the United Nations and “I therefore call on the government human rights in every state. European Union. to recognise the State of Palestine, to “In that context I urge you to ensure “I am grievously concerned that these publicly condemn Israeli annexation plans Ireland uses its position on the UN Security plans could indefinitely hold back any on behalf of the Irish people, and also use Council to challenge in the strongest terms prospect of a long term democratic and its influence within both the UN Security the proposed annexation of Palestinian peaceful solution to the plight of the Pal- Council, and the European Commission, lands by Israel which has been roundly estinian people, or worse still be perma- to progress European Union words of condemned as a flagrant violation of inter- nently lost. opposition against the planned annexation national law. “Sinn Féin believes that Ireland and the of the West Bank into a robust diplomatic “Israel’s intent is in defiance of strong international community has a diplomat- intervention.”
Palestinian Government report on serious threats and consequences facing State of Palestine as a result of Israeli annexation In a report presented to the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee of the Not to recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders, ‘Office Of The United Nations Special Coordinator For The Middle including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those East Peace Process’ the Palestinian Government outlined that agreed by the parties through negotiations, including annexation will mean: by ensuring that agreements with Israel do not imply The removal of the asset and resource rich Jordan Valley recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Palestinian from the State of Palestine; and Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967; The isolation and suffocation of East Jerusalem, To distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the the Palestinian capital; territory of the State of Israel and the territories occu- The denial of Palestinian control over use of land and natu- pied since 1967; ral resources; Not to render aid or assistance to illegal colonial activ- The prevention of efficient and free movement of people and ities, including not to provide Israel with any assistance goods; to be used in connection with colonies in the occupied An increase of violations of Palestinian rights; territories, in line with Security Council resolution 465 The end of the two-state solution. (1980); The current Israeli government was formed based on a po- To respect and ensure respect for international law, litical agenda that sets annexation of Palestinian territory as a adopting measures of accountability, including sanc- strategic priority, despite the widespread international condem- tions; nation. To exert all efforts to end the Israeli occupation of all The State of Palestine calls on the international community to territories occupied in 1967 and to achieve, without use all measures necessary to prevent annexation, including: delay, a just, comprehensive and lasting peace on the To recognize the State of Palestine on the pre-1967 bor- basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the ders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, if they have not Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of yet done so; land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
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Former World leaders warn against Israeli annexation plans The ‘Elders’ group, founded in 2007 by Israeli annexation ‘is fundamentally con- sociation Agreement with Israel if annex- Nelson Mandela, and currently led by for- trary to the long-term interests of both the ation goes ahead in any form. They also mer Irish President, Mary Robinson, with Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.’ recalled the United Kingdom’s ‘historical Nelson Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, They said annexation ‘will not dampen and abiding responsibility’ as the colonial and former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki- future Palestinian demands for rights and power in pre-1948 Palestine. Moon, as co-chairs — said in letters to the self-determination, but destroying hopes They urged European states to keep leaders of France, Germany, Britain and the in a two-state compromise will increase pressuring Israel against annexation European Union that they should insist to the risks of future violence in one of the of parts of the West Bank, and warned Israel that annexation would have negative most combustible areas in the world.’ against complacency after the plans to political and economic consequences for The Elders called on EU leaders to con- take over the territory on July 1 were bilateral and regional relations and that sider suspending the 27-member bloc’s As- delayed.
Vatican warns against West Bank annexation The Vatican has warned the United States and Israel that plans to an- “express concern of the Holy See regarding possible unilateral nex parts of the West Bank risk efforts to bring peace between actions that may further jeopardise the search for peace be- Israelis and Palestinians. tween Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the delicate situation On 30 June Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary in the Middle East.” of State, summoned US ambassador to the Vatican, Callista Gin- It added: “the Holy See reiterates that the State of Israel and grigh, and Israel’s ambassador, Oren David, to “express concern” the State of Palestine have the right to exist and to live in peace about any “unilateral actions”. and security, within internationally recognised borders.” In a statement, the Vatican said Cardinal Parolin wanted to
Amnesty International says Israel must abandon Annexation plans Amnesty International has said grant violation of international Saleh Higazi, Amnesty In- national community must that the Israeli authorities law. They believe that such a ternational’s Middle East and enforce international law and must immediately abandon step by Israel would violate North Africa Deputy Director, restate that ‘annexation’ of plans to further ‘annex’ ter- the UN charter, the norms of said: any part of the occupied West ritory in the occupied Pales- international law and obli- “International law is crystal Bank is null and void. They tinian West Bank warning the gations under international clear on this matter - annex- must also work to immedi- move represents the ‘law of humanitarian law. ation is unlawful. ately stop the construction the jungle’. They say that under domes- “Israel’s continued pursuit or expansion of illegal Israeli Amnesty is calling on the tic Israeli law, moves towards of this policy further illus- settlements and related international community to further annexation of Pales- trates its cynical disregard infrastructure in the Occupied take firm action against the tinian territory would mean for international law. Such Palestinian Territories as a annexation proposal. Am- a continuation of Israeli set- policies do not change the first step towards removing nesty is calling on the British tlement expansion and would legal status of the territory Israeli civilians living in such Government to clarify the further entrench policies of in- under international law and settlements. consequences of an Israeli stitutionalised discrimination its inhabitants as occupied nor “Settlements are created annexation, urging the British and mass human rights viola- remove Israel’s responsibili- with the sole purpose of per- to ban the trade in goods from tions faced by Palestinians in ties as the occupying power manently establishing Jewish Israel’s illegal settlements ‘as the occupied territories. - rather it points to the ‘law Israelis on occupied land; this a minimum’. Recently, dozens of UN of the jungle’ which should is a war crime under interna- Amnesty said that annex- experts voiced concerns that not have a place in our world tional law and ‘annexation’ ation is the claim to acquire annexation would create a today. has no bearing on this legal territory by force and is a fla- “21st-century apartheid”. “Members of the inter- determination.”
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120 French Spanish politicians call on their government Parliamentarians to oppose Israeli annexation plan: oppose Israel annexation In a letter addressed to Spain’s Foreign Minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Spanish politicians, members of Parliament and Foreign Ministers, have called plan and urge Macron To on their government to reject the Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories, and to warn Israel that the annexation will not pass without serious conse- Recognise State quences. of Palestine: Belgium parliament calls for sanctions 120 members of Parliament have co- signed a letter urging their President, against Israel if annexation goes ahead: Emmanuel Macron, to recognise the State of Palestine as a response to An overwhelming majority in the Belgium parliament recently passed a Israel’s impending plans to annex large resolution urging the government to act to prevent Israel from unilaterally an- parts of the occupied West Bank. The nexing parts of the West Bank and to actively advocate for European-wide pu- signatories called for the necessity to nitive measures against Jerusalem if it proceeds with its controversial plans. impose international sanctions on Isra- el if it implements its annexation plans, slamming them as a blatant violation Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister warns of international law and a real danger to regional peace and security. against Israeli annexation: Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Jean Asselborn, says Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank would be ‘stealing’ and would make the Eu- Dutch Parliament ropean Union’s recognition of Palestine as a State ‘inevitable’. Luxembourg’s top diplomat said that Israel’s plans to annex the West Bank are no different votes to impose from Russia’s move to illegally annex the Crimean Peninsula, and this neces- sanctions on Israel if it sitates the EU taking a stronger stance. annexes West Bank: Australian Government voices concerns
The Dutch Parliament has passed a over Israel’s annexation plans: non-binding motion calling for the government to consider sanctions The Australian Government has for the first time publicly voiced its con- against Israel if it goes ahead with cerns about Israel’s potential annexation of land in the West Bank under the the annexation of large parts of the provisions of the Trump administration’s peace plan. Foreign Affairs Minister, occupied Palestinian West Bank. The Marise Payne, said the Australian government was a long-standing supporter motion called the annexation a ‘gross of a two-state solution, in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist violation of international law’ and not- in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. She said ed that the Netherlands has in the past Australia had raised its concerns with Israel in relation to indications of ‘taken measures against countries that annexations and she had done so directly with her Israeli counterpart, Gabi violate international law.’ Ashkenazi.
Apartheid is a crime’ - Former Swedish Diplomat:
A former senior Swedish diplomat, author and photographer, Mats Svensson, has said, after visiting the Palestinian occupied territories, that his experience was more than enough to convince him that what is taking place in Palestine is even worse than apartheid ever was in South Africa. He also said that ‘silent diplomacy’ will never work as a tool of pressure on Israel to end its subjugation of Palestinians. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs warns of dangers of annexation:
Writing in the Jerusalem Post, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, warned of the dan- gers of annexation. He said: ‘Europe and Israel are very close not only geographically, but also culturally and economically. There is a strong bond between Israel and Europe, and we want to strengthen this bond and further deepen our relations, not see them retract. Howev- er, this is what will inevitably happen if unilateral annexation goes ahead’.
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British MPs ‘Socialist British Shadow Foreign Secretary, Lisa Nandy, Campaign Group’ call on urges ban on imports of West Bank goods:
Israeli annexation plans Lisa Nandy, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, has called on the British government to ban the import of goods from illegal settlements in the West to be firmly opposed: Bank if the Israeli government presses ahead with annexation plans. She said ‘The proposal to unilaterally annex nearly a third of the West Bank is an 25 British Labour MPs from the ‘Social- illegal act which will undermine the prospect of a peaceful two-state solution ist Campaign Group’ have commented for Israel and Palestine, and has serious implications for the stability of the on Israeli annexation plans. Middle East.’ She also said ‘ Such a blatant breach of international law must In a statement they say: have consequences.’ “With the new Government in Israel threatening further illegal annexation in July of occupied Palestinian land, including large swaths of the West Israel’s annexation of the West Bank will be Bank, now is the time to speak up for Palestine. yet another tragedy for Palestine: “As an internationalist and democratic socialist party, Labour must give real Former British consul-general to Jerusalem, Sir Vincent Fean, called on the support to the call of the Palestinian British government to recognise the State of Palestine alongside Israel on people, and very many Israelis, for pre-1967 borders. He said the consequences of annexation for Israel should effective measures to Stop Annexation. include banning the importation of goods produced in illegal settlements and “The core and fundamental purpose sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia after its illegal takeover of the underlying annexation is that it perma- Crimea in 2014. nently puts the ‘nail in the coffin’ of a two-state solution. It leaves no room for any conceivable viable Palestinian state. British Conservative MP says Israel should “We must continue to commit to immediate recognition of the state of pay price for annexation actions: Palestine and an end to the blockade, occupation and settlements.” Crispin Blunt, a Conservative MP and former Chair of the Foreign Affairs select committee, said the British government ‘should have made clear (to Israel) there is going to be a price’ for the annexation plan, with trade agreements between the two countries ended or curtailed.
More than 1,000 European Parliamentarians EU won’t recognise Israel’s oppose annexation plans:
West Bank annexation’ - Over 1,000 European Parliamentarians have signed a letter opposing annex- ation saying ‘acquisition of territory by force .... must have commensurate German Ambassador to consequences’ and called on European leaders to ‘act decisively.’ Among the 240 British signatories were Michael Howard, a former Conservative party Israel: leader; Chris Patten, former Conservative oparty Chairman and Governor of Hong Kong; Pauline Neville-Jones, former Chair of the British Joint Intelli- The German Ambassador to Israel, gence Committee; and George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General. Susanne Wasum-Rainer, has said that Israel’s planned annexation of the occupied West Bank will negatively affect its relations with the European Union (EU). She said, ‘The EU won’t E ANNEX recognise the Israeli annexation move H A in the occupied West Bank.’ The EU and T T I
Germany recently described the plan P O O N
as being ‘in violation of international T law.’ S
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O N T S SPECIAL 5 BULLETIN EU must weigh in to ensure accountability as annexation looms, says Special Rapporteur 47 UN on the situation of human rights in the occupied Human Rights A UN human rights Palestinianexpert has is territories:happening as the international July – even if it is ‘annexation-lite’, urged the European Union to use community is more alert than ever consisting of several settlement Experts its “economic weight, diplomatic to serious breaches of internation- blocs instead of the announced expertise and aid, trade and invest- al law,” Lynk said. 30 per cent of the West Bank – the condemn ment leverage” to forestall looming “What would be left of the West European Union must lead the Israeli plans Israeli plans to annex parts of the Bank would be a moth-eaten world in imposing accountability Recently 47 UN Human Rights West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Bantustan, which would be the end, measures,” said Lynk. “Any amount experts condemned Israel’s Michael Lynk, the Special not the beginning, of a genuine of annexation is contrary to the plans to annex the West Bank Rapporteur on the human rights Palestinian state. This would be a Charter of the United Nations, and saying it was a vision of ‘21st situation in Palestinian Territory modern form of apartheid, a politi- a fundamentally illegal act. century apartheid’. They have occupied since 1967, said in a state- cal anomaly in the 21st century.” “It has sometimes been said by predicted increased human ment that annexation “will lead to “We have reached a point where critics of the EU’s foreign policy right violations after annex- a marked worsening of the human resolutions without resolve can no towards Israel and Palestine that ation, saying that: rights situation in the occupied longer contribute to reaching the it suffers from paralysis and inac- “What would be left of the Palestinian territory and daily lives just and durable peace and human tion,” said the Special Rapporteur. West Bank would be a Pales- of millions of Palestinians”. security that Palestinians and Is- “Nothing could better demon- tinian Bantustan, islands of “The planned annexation after 1 raelis deserve,” Lynk said. “This is a strate that this argument is mis- disconnected land complete- July is a continuation of Israel’s il- moment of truth for the EU and the placed than for the EU to back up ly surrounded by Israel and legal extension of sovereignty over integrity of its foreign policy.” its criticisms of Israel’s occupation no territorial connection to Palestinian and Arab lands over the “Should Israel proceed with and looming annexation with a de- the outside world.” past decades, except that now it any form of annexation after 1 cisive menu of counter-measures.”
Group of prominent South Africans call
A significant statementfor has been Sanctions released by a group of toover 250 stop prom- Israeliplement, targeted annexation sanctions on Israel, including a boycott on all products inent South African citizens including; Deputy Secretary General of the from the illegal settlements, suspension of trade agreements with Israel, ANC, Jessie Duarte, General Secretary of the South African Communist and a military embargo, as countermeasures to halt its annexation of Party, Blade Nzimande, Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly, Lech- occupied Palestinian territory and its other egregious violations of inter- esm Tsnoli, former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, former national law - similar to the measures repeatedly adopted by the UNGA Cabinet Minister, Ronnie Kasrils, and representatives of Human Rights and the UN Security Council in against Apartheid South Africa, labelling organisations, Judiciary, Churches, Academics and wider Civic Society. apartheid a crime against humankind and a serious threat to interna- They stated: tional peace and security. “It is time for the international community to demonstrate that it is “Campaigning for the activation of the UN Special Committee on Apart- not oblivious to the suffering of Palestinians, who have been the main heid to address Israeli policies over the indigenous people of Palestine. victims of Israel’s systemic racism and injustices for decades, and whose “Guaranteeing the effectiveness and regular updating of the UN data- oppression is about to be further intensified. base of companies involved in business with Israel’s illegal settlement “Palestinian civil society unions, organizations, and human rights and enterprise. advocacy groups, assert that the “looming annexation is a political litmus “Supporting the International Criminal Court’s probe into Israel’s war test for the international community and for its ability to uphold inter- crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated in the Occupied Pales- national law”. This is expressed in a recent statement “Palestinian Civil tinian Territory. Society Calls for Effective Measures by all States to Stop Israel’s Illegal “As South Africans who have a long and glorious history of struggle for Annexation of the Occupied West Bank and Grave Violations of Human national liberation, freedom and democracy, and against colonialism and Rights.” In response to this call, the South African Boycott Divestment apartheid, we raise our voices and our fists in deep solidarity with the and Sanctions (SA BDS) Coalition Statement has attracted the endorse- Palestinian people in their quest for liberation and self-determination, ments of more than 250 prominent South Africans, based on the one a people who have suffered for more than seven decades with apart- prepared by the Palestinian civil society organisations. heid, occupation and colonization as the world watched and allowed the “We call on the South African government to spearhead a campaign violations of international law and human rights. We, the undersigned, in the United Nations (UN) to impose countermeasures and sanctions together with prominent leaders in the Global South, will not allow Israel, against Israel for its violations of fundamental principles of international in partnership with the Trump regime, to triumph against justice and law, its denial of the Palestinians rights to self-determination and its international law. At a time when the world is highlighting racism and the forceful and violent annexation of Palestinian territory. legacy of slavery and colonialism, when colonial icons are being pulled “We call on the South African government and the African Union, of down by the actions of citizens ‘gatvol’ with a world order that toler- which President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently Chair, to expend their ates injustice against the poor and vulnerable, we will tirelessly pursue full and untiring effort to ensure that African governments fulfil their the struggle of the Palestinian people for their freedom from racism, obligations under international law and to demonstrate their support for occupation, colonialism, and apartheid. Theirs is a struggle, together with justice, human rights and Palestinian liberation by: that of other oppressed groups such as Black people in the USA, whose “Ensuring the adoption of a resolution at the United Nations General character defines the ethics and morality of our time. We will be on the Assembly (UNGA) that renews the call for, and provides the means to im- right side of that equation!”
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Justice Center urges Australian government to oppose Israeli annexation of Palestinian land TThe ‘Australian Center for International large parts of Occupied Palestinian Ter- Israel’s illegal settlements,” she said. Justice’ (ACIJ), has urged the Australian ritory (OPT),” said Rawan Arraf, Principal “It is time to effectively challenge the government to oppose Israeli annexation Lawyer and Director of the ACIJ. international community’s political and of occupied Palestinian land, recommend- “Australia can be guided by its response legal failures which have allowed Israel’s ing imposing sanctions if Israel takes this in relation to the situation of the Russian occupation and de facto annexation to step. annexation of Crimea. We recommend the continue with impunity. These recommen- In a 10-page briefing paper on Austra- implementation of effective measures dations provide meaningful effective mea- lia’s international law obligations regard- such as targeted sanctions, and other sures to prevent and end these serious ing Israel’s annexation of large parts of measures for violations of international violations and grave crimes in Palestine the West Bank, ACIJ said the Australian law arising from Israel’s occupation and and Israel.” government should respond swiftly to any settlement enterprise – policies which The center recommended that Aus- annexation step taken by Israel. have resulted in a situation of de facto tralia enact legislations banning settle- “The Australian Government is urged annexation of the OPT and which have ment goods from entering Australia’s to respond swiftly to a matter of global expressly denied the Palestinian people marketplace, and preventing Australian concern and oppose any violation of fun- fundamental human rights guarantees. companies from operating in or trading damental principles of international law, One such measure Australia is required with settlements, or contributing to their regarding Israel’s imminent annexation of to adopt, includes a ban on trade with maintenance and/or expansion.
International Ecumenical Organizations: Israel’s Planned Annexation Would Damage Hopes for Justice, Peace Leading World ecumenical organizations have urged the inter- tional law and an obstacle to a proposed ‘two state solution’ in national community to oppose Israel’s planned annexation of the region, said the statement. parts of the occupied West Bank. The ecumenical organizations said the planned annexation The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), together with the World “is in direct violation of international law” and would further Council of Churches (WCC), the World Communion of Reformed threaten hopes for justice and peace in the region. Churches (WCRC) and the Action by Churches Together (ACT) They warned it would “undermine even more the rights of Alliance issued a statement calling for an end to the occupa- Palestinians, reducing their mobility, their access to land and tion and for a resumption of dialogue to build lasting peace livelihoods, to adequate infrastructure and basic services,” between Palestinians and Israelis. as well as increasing forced displacement and putting at risk The Israeli government has said it plans to effectively annex access by humanitarian organizations. parts of the West Bank by extending its sovereignty to areas The organizations pledged to continue working for peace in that contain Jewish settlements, as well as parts of the Jordan the Holy Land, insisting that “peace can never be unilaterally valley. The settlements are considered illegal under interna- imposed or achieved by violent means.”
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