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

The United States opposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank on Monday, warning that such moves could jeopardize President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. US representative Jennifer Locetta stated, "As President Trump stated, the United States opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank." She emphasized that stability in the region is crucial for Israel's security and aligns with the goal of achieving peace.

Locetta highlighted concerns over economic instability and the need to expand opportunities for Palestinians. She also criticized actions by certain UN member states targeting businesses in Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Israel's annexation of the West Bank, described as "creeping," was deemed "unlawful" by Ramiz Alakbarov, acting special co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

He warned that Israeli settlements have no legal validity under international law. Israeli authorities approved nearly 4,570 housing units in Area C of the West Bank and 3,515 in East Jerusalem during the specified period, while demolishing 536 structures, displacing 736 individuals, including 347 children. Israel's deputy UN ambassador, Noa Furman, condemned all forms of violence in the West Bank, emphasizing that the fundamental challenge is the absence of a committed partner for peace, referring to Hamas.