The European Union strongly condemned the recent unilateral steps taken by the Israeli government to grant itself broader powers to consolidate its control over the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, senior European officials stressed that these measures are counterproductive, blatantly violate international law, and undermine international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
Historical background and context of the conflict
The roots of the issue lie in the 1967 war, in which Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Since then, the international community has considered these territories “occupied territories,” a status affirmed by numerous UN Security Council resolutions, most notably Resolutions 242 and 338, which call for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories. Despite the signing of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which aimed to establish a Palestinian Authority with limited self-rule as a prelude to an independent state, Israeli settlement expansion has continued. This expansion is considered illegal under international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own population into the territory it occupies.
Details of recent Israeli measures
The European stance came in response to decisions made by the Israeli Security Cabinet aimed at transferring administrative and civil powers in the West Bank from the military administration to civilian ministers in the Israeli government. Observers view this move as a “creeping” or de jure annexation of the West Bank, as it aims to apply Israeli civil law to the settlements, thereby entrenching their presence and treating them as an integral part of Israel. This effectively eliminates any hope for a geographically contiguous and viable Palestinian state.
Importance and expected impact
These steps have serious repercussions on various levels. Domestically , they exacerbate Palestinian frustration and weaken the Palestinian Authority's position, potentially leading to escalating tensions and further destabilizing security. Regionally , these measures complicate normalization efforts between Israel and Arab states, as the Palestinian issue remains a central focus of regional politics. Internationally , they pose a direct challenge to the international community and the agreed framework for resolving the conflict: the two-state solution. The European statement, issued by High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Commissioners Dubravka Šucic and Haji Lahbib, reaffirmed that the European Union will never recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territories occupied in 1967, reiterating its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution as the only basis for achieving a just and lasting peace.
The statement warned that altering the status quo at religious sites, particularly in Jerusalem and Hebron, through unilateral decisions would exacerbate the already sensitive situation and increase the risk of violence. The European Union called on Israel to reverse these decisions and uphold its responsibilities as an occupying power under international humanitarian law.
