US opposes Israeli annexation of West Bank and warns it could derail Trump peace plan

The United States has declared its opposition to any Israeli annexation of the West Bank, cautioning that such actions could jeopardize President Donald Trump's efforts to advance a Gaza peace plan. Jennifer Locetta, a US representative at the UN Security Council, emphasized that stability in the West Bank is crucial for Israel's security and aligns with the goal of achieving peace in the region.

She also stated that the US aims to ensure the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians. The annexation of the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, is deemed illegal under international law due to the settlements built there. Locetta highlighted the Security Council's concerns over economic instability in the West Bank and the need to expand economic opportunities for Palestinians.

She also criticized measures by certain UN member states targeting businesses operating in parts of Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that the diplomatic accreditation of Dutch officials in the West Bank would be revoked following the Netherlands' enforcement of sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements.

The UK, France, and Canada similarly announced sanctions targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel accused the West of adopting a "creeping annexation" strategy, which it deemed unlawful and demanded an immediate halt. Ramiz Alakbarov, the acting special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, condemned Israeli settlements and related infrastructure, stating they have no legal validity under international law.

He also warned that Israel's E1 settlement plan near Jerusalem would sever the northern and southern West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem further. Alakbarov expressed concern over Palestinian displacement, noting that entire communities had been uprooted, sometimes repeatedly, raising fears of ethnic cleansing. Israeli Deputy UN Ambassador Noa Furman affirmed that Israel condemns all forms of violence in the West Bank, regardless of whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis, and vows to take action against those responsible.

However, she attributed the obstacle to peace to the absence of a partner committed to peace, specifically Hamas.