Ramallah:The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has issued a warning regarding remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which advocate for a conflict in the occupied West Bank similar to the situation in the Gaza Strip, and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the ministry's statement highlights concerns that these remarks reveal Israeli intentions to undermine the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and to impose a new reality in the occupied territories through force, contravening international law and agreements.
The ministry further noted that the calls for war on the West Bank, including the destruction of Palestinian cities and refugee camps, align with broader Israeli government policies of violence, displacement, settlement expansion, and land annexation. These actions are seen as attempts to forcibly impose annexation.
Additionally, the ministry emphasized that the Palestinian Authority and institutions are vital components of the Palestinian national project, representing significant progress toward an independent and sovereign state. The ministry holds the Israeli government fully accountable for any attempts to undermine these institutions.
The statement warns that continued international silence regarding aggressive Israeli statements and policies could embolden the Israeli government, leading to increased tension, violence, and instability in the region.
Finally, the ministry urges the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and the US administration, to take immediate action to compel Israel to cease its aggressive actions, halt settlement expansions and displacement, and protect Palestinian people and their national institutions.