UNITED NATIONS, Jun 24 (APP):U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the Israeli-Palestinian situation is facing a “watershed moment” over Israel’s annexation plan, saying that it threatened the prospects for international peace.
“If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of negotiations,” the U.N. chief told a meeting of the Security Council.
“I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans.”
The UN chief’s call was echoed by other leaders and foreign ministers addressing the virtual meeting, warning that Israel’s unilateral action could trigger a major escalation in the region.
“For three decades, real peace and the creation of an independent Palestinian state, remain elusive … Despair is dominating the Palestinian mood and scene,” Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said.
Wednesday’s Council meeting is seen as the last international one before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government starts planned discussions on July 1 over the annexation of the West Bank, territory Israel captured in a 1967 war and that Palestinian leaders seek for a future state.
Guterres reaffirmed that a lasting resolution to the decades-old conflict must be in line with international law, relevant U.N. resolutions and bilateral agreements.
“I will continue to consistently speak out against any unilateral steps that would undermine peace and the chances for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through meaningful negotiations,” he said.
The Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, who joined the discussion from Jerusalem, said the two-state solution must not be undercut and that diplomacy must be given a chance. He urged a swift return to dialogue without pre-conditions between the group known as the Middle East Quartet (the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations) with the Palestinian leadership, Israel and regional stakeholders.
“The window is closing, but there is still time to avert chaos,” Mladenov said. “It will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders and the will to take political risks to achieve peace.”
In supporting the Secretary-General’s appeal to Israel, Mladenov feared annexation could trigger instability across the occupied Palestinian territory and even beyond.
He urged the international community to work to get the parties to step back and continue the dialogue towards peace.
“In the coming weeks, decisions may be reached that will do irreparable damage to Palestinian and Israeli societies, to the security and economic wellbeing of both peoples”, he said.
“This bleak vision, however, is not yet a fait accompli. The window is closing, but there is still time to avert chaos. It will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders and the will to take political risks to achieve peace.”
Mladenov noted that international condemnation has also been widespread, including the European Union’s stark opposition to the slated plan.
On Wednesday, more than 1,000 parliamentarians representing 25 European countries signed a letter denouncing Israel’s plans, urging their leaders to prevent the annexation process and save the prospects of a two-state solution.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki warned any annexation would be a “crime” and lead to immediate and tangible repercussions.
He said Israel’s objective has for decades been to grab “maximum Palestinian land, with minimum Palestinians”.
“Israel is testing the resolve of the international community, thinking that its colonial apartheid will prevail … We must prove it wrong,” al-Malki told the Security Council, calling on the international community to impose sanctions against Israel to deter its plans.