Palestine warns of Israeli steps to annex West Bank settlements

Palestine warns of Israeli steps to annex West Bank settlements
Tue Feb 13, 2018 07:45:14

Palestinian presidency warned on Monday that any unilateral steps related to Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements will not change the reality since "settlements are illegal."

(Xinhua) -- Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said in an official statement, released by official Wafa news agency, that any step in this regard would only result in more tension and instability.

His remarks came in response to media reports that Israel is discussing legislation with the United States to annex settlements in the West Bank.

Such moves would destroy every international effort to save the peace process, the spokesman said.

He added that no party has the right to discuss the situation in the Palestinian territories, as it contradicts with all international resolutions stipulating that the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including East Quds, are land of the State of Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he is discussing with the U.S. administration an initiative to annex Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, the White House denied on Monday Netanyahu's claims.

Peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel have been stalled since 2014 after nine months of U.S.-sponsored negotiations.

The talks have not led to any serious breakthrough to end decades-old conflict due to deep differences over settlements, borders and security.

(Photo: Ariel University in the West Bank. photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

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