19 Foreign Ministers Issue Joint Statement Condemning Israel
On February 23 local time, the foreign ministers of 19 countries, as well as the secretaries-general of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a joint statement, strongly condemning the Israeli Security Cabinet's approval of a series of decisions that significantly change policies in the West Bank, strengthen control over the West Bank, and accelerate the expansion of Jewish settlements.
This is a diplomatic action involving a wide range of countries, with strict legal characterization and clear political intentions. It is a strong response from the international community to Israel's recent policies in the West Bank, with the core being the defense of the viability of the "two-state solution."
This statement can be understood as an attempt by the international community (especially traditional European allies and the Arab world) to set red lines ahead of the expectation that the Trump administration in the United States may adopt a more lenient policy toward Israel.
These countries sent a clear message to Israel through the joint statement: actions that unilaterally alter the territorial status quo under specific international situations will not be accepted by the international community. It is also a form of support for the Palestinian Authority, trying to preserve the last political foundation for peace negotiations before the situation completely slides into a "one-state reality."
Although this statement does not have the binding force of a UN resolution, its political symbolic meaning and pressure are very significant.
This is another political gamble by Netanyahu.
Facts have proven that without the backing of the United States, Israel would certainly not dare to act so brazenly against international consensus.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858041022452736/
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