France, Spain, and All Scandinavian Countries: Strongly Condemn the Expansion of Israeli Control in the West Bank
France, Spain, and Scandinavian countries have issued a strong condemnation of Israel's actions to expand its illegal control in the West Bank.
France, Spain, and all Scandinavian countries have jointly condemned Israel's recent efforts to expand what they describe as illegal control over the West Bank. They accused Israel of broadly classifying Palestinian land as 'state land' and accelerating illegal settlement activities, which they argue deepen Israeli governance in the region. This statement garnered support from nations including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Indonesia, Ireland, Egypt, Jordan, Portugal, Qatar, Slovenia, Turkey, as well as the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Palestinian Authority, while the UK notably did not sign the statement.
The condemnation comes amid reports that the Israeli government has approved plans to promote land registration in Area C of the West Bank, paving the way for the displacement of Palestinians. Furthermore, earlier this month, Israel's cabinet allowed law enforcement bodies to operate in Areas A and B in contradiction to the Oslo Accords, raising concerns over potential escalations in violence and undermining the peace process in the region.
The signatory countries have called for Israel to take accountability for violent settlers and have demanded the immediate release of withheld tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority. These actions reflect growing international frustration with Israel's policies in the West Bank, highlighting a rift between Israel and several of its traditional allies, potentially complicating future diplomatic efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.