Former Irish president Mary Robinson and former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark have issued a formal warning regarding the potential disappearance of Palestinian territories. Representing The Elders, a group of international figures, they stated that the Israeli government is actively working to make Palestine disappear physically, economically, culturally and politically, calling for immediate international accountability to counter what they describe as “impunity.”
Accountability and the Impunity Debate
The call for intervention follows a mission by Robinson and Clark to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Lebanon. According to Helen Clark, the primary demand from civil society groups across the West Bank is accountability and no impunity. She emphasized that the international community must do more to end Israeli “impunity” in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Did you know?
The Elders was founded by Nelson Mandela. The group consists of international figures working together for peace, justice, and human rights.
Settlement Expansion and Territorial Risks
The Elders reported a severe deterioration of the situation in the West Bank since their previous mission in 2023. Data from the Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now indicates that the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the establishment of 102 settlements since taking office. Currently, more than 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements across the West Bank, an area occupied by Israel since 1967. Under international law, all such settlements are considered illegal.
Impact on Future Sovereignty
The expansion of these settlements poses a direct threat to the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, which Palestinians seek as the future capital of a sovereign state in east Jerusalem. The United Nations has documented a sharp rise in settler violence since the onset of the Gaza war in 2023. Furthermore, some Israeli ministers have openly advocated for the annexation of portions or the entirety of the West Bank, further complicating the potential for a two-state solution.
Proposed Diplomatic Shifts
Mary Robinson has publicly criticized the European Union for its perceived inaction, stating she feels “ashamed” by the lack of a firm stance from Brussels. She proposed two specific diplomatic measures: the suspension of the trade component of the EU-Israel association agreement and a ban on the trade of products originating from Israeli settlements.
Pro Tip: Understanding International Law
All Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.
Direct Engagement with Israeli Leadership
During their diplomatic mission, Robinson and Clark met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the position of The Elders on the West Bank? They advocate for an end to settlement expansion, which they warn is causing Palestine to disappear before our eyes.
- Are Israeli settlements legal? No. All Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
- What specific action did Mary Robinson request from the EU? She called for the suspension of the trade component of its association agreement with Israel and a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements.
- How many Israelis live in the West Bank? According to available data, more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank, excluding east Jerusalem.
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