STRUGGLING WITH SOVEREIGNTY

Regarding “Yes annexation, No annexation” (Letters, June 26), the European Union needs a history lesson.

There is no “occupied West Bank” and no “Palestinian land” and no “illegal Israeli settlements.

Under international law dating back to the 1922 League of Nations Mandate for Palestine (and later confirmed under Article 80 of the United Nations charter) Britain continued its military control and held the area as a homeland for the Jews, meaning all of present-day Israel – including Judea, Samaria and Gaza – are part of Israel.

In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly recommended (the UNGA does not make laws) dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab areas. The Jews agreed to share the land, but the Arab League refused, launching the first of three wars of genocide against the Jewish state. They failed, losing any moral currency they may have had.

The American Deal of the Century envisions two states living in peace. Israel would extend its civilian control over 30% of Judea and Samaria and the Palestinian Authority would have slightly more territory than Egypt and Jordan occupied until 1967. Israel would have security on its borders and the PA would have their own state, with certain restrictions, and a $50 billion development fund.

The Arabs have fought against infidels in the Middle East and North Africa for 100 years and have been successful, except for Israel.

Israel is listed as the eighth most important country in the world. It is a thriving democracy. It is time for the Arab League, the EU and the UN to cease their incessant whining and encourage the PA to accept (or negotiate based on) the offer on the table. Peace will lead to massive development. The people under the PA and Hamas deserve it.

LEN BENNETT Ottawa, On.