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A story: this week’s dramatic battle over Area C in #Israel and #Palestine.
Israel’s Higher Planning Council for Judea and Samaria approved 2,304 new settler homes and “legalized” outposts, many of which are deep within the territories, entrenching control and strategically expanding its settlement enterprise.
To sweeten the land grab, Israel announces it has issued permits for the construction of 700 Palestinian units in Area C, after decades of refusing such permits. Palestinians are expected to show gratitude. Israeli right wingers are frothing at the mouth.
The EU responds with (you guessed it) a statement that “All settlement activity is illegal under international law and it erodes the viability of the two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace.”
Palestinian PM, in the shadow of a commitment to suspend agreements after Israel demolished homes in Area A, said “Israel no longer respects any of the signed agreements [treating all areas] as if they were Area C. Accordingly, we will deal with all areas as if they are Area A.”
A perfect show down. Israel in the inertia of occupation entrenchment and de facto annexation. The EU in full statement mode. The PA making bold yet inconsequential proclamations.
What could turn this tide? If the EU actually supports the PA in its effort to wrest sovereignty in Area C. It is precisely missed junctures such as these that have led Israelis and Palestinians into an unequal one-state reality. Just another signpost on that road.
