Israeli settlements hamper peace deal

THE Israeli Knesset on Monday passed a law that would allow the expropriation of privately owned Palestinian land.

This is the latest in a series of pro-settler steps taken by Israel’s hardline government since the election of Donald Trump as US president.

The International Court of Justice has determined that the Israeli government’s land confiscation, house demolition, creation of enclaves, and other restrictions on Palestinians’ movement and access are violations of international law.

Let us not forget that Gaza is still under siege, and that this latest land grab in the occupied West Bank is illegal under international law. More than 40% of the West Bank is now covered by illegal Israeli settlements.

While the world watched the recent intense conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, it largely ignores the deaths and the destruction of homes and infrastructure in the West Bank over the years.

More than 28000 homes, businesses and other structures have been demolished by Israel in occupied Palestinian territory (as well as similar actions against Palestinians within Israel).

This new land grab would further distance prospects for a solution that would end the long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It is to be hoped that this latest blatant land grab, which the UN, the US, European and other governments have, fortunately, protested against, will be cancelled.

Also, that more concrete measures will be taken now to rein Israel in, and enable Palestinians’ rights to be recognized. ANNE CHACHLIN

Morningside