Arab Ministers Condemn Israel's Ban on West Bank Visit
Jordan's Foreign Affairs Ministry has condemned Israel's decision to ban an Arab delegation from visiting Ramallah and meeting with Palestinian officials, according to Arab News.
The ministry described the decision as 'a blatant violation of Israel's obligations as the occupying power.'
Consequently, members of the ministerial committee decided to postpone their visit to Ramallah due to Israel's rejection of the delegation's entry through the airspace of the occupied West Bank. Planned Ramallah Visit
The delegation consisted of ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and as well as United Arab Emirates.
Importantly, the ministers were set to participate in 'a provocative meeting' to explore the establishment of a Palestinian state.
'Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the land of Israel,' an Israeli official said.
The source also added that Israel will not cooperate with such moves that seek to harm Israel and its security.
The meeting proceeds an international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, that will take place in New York on June 17-20 to consider the issue of Palestinian statehood. Mounting Pressure on Israel
Recently, Israel has been experiencing mounting pressure from the United Nations and European countries which made serious steps to recognize a two-state solution in ordered to end the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that recognizing a Palestinian state was not only a 'moral duty but a political necessity.'
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel was planning to build a 'Jewish Israeli state' in the occupied West Bank, according to Al-Arabiya.
Katz's remarks follow Israel's announcement of the creation of 22 new settlements in the West Bank.
'This is a decisive response to the terrorist organizations that are trying to harm and weaken our hold on this land,' Katz said.
Katz also noted that the new settlements would be a clear message to French President Emmanuel Macron and his associates: they will recognize a Palestinian state on paper – but Israel will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground.
Related Topics:
Israel Plans to Build Jewish Israeli State in West Bank
France May Toughen Stance on Israel Over Gaza Aid Blockage
Israel Accepts Witkoff's New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal: Netanyahu
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