UN chief urges Israel to back away from West Bank annexation
(VOVWORLD) - United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, saying such a move would be a serious violation of international law.
 United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Photo: United Nations) |
He said an Israeli annexation would devastate any hopes for fresh negotiations and an eventual two-state solution.
Israel has announced its intention to begin annexing West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley in July. Israel's plan is backed by the US but faces strong opposition from the international community, particularly the Palestinians.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned Wednesday that if Israel annexes the West Bank, it will become an occupying power. He said annexing any part of Palestine is a crime and Palestinian categorically rejects US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan.