Israel's Annexation Plans Condemned by Arab and Muslim Nations at UN, Amid Rising Tensions

Arab and Muslim nations at the United Nations have condemned Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank, as the Israeli attorney general backed measures that critics say amount to a 'de facto annexation'. This comes amidst a wider context of tension in the region, with a majority of Arabs opposing normalisation with Israel, and a top Hamas leader rejecting disarmament or 'foreign rule'.

Context and Background

The annexation of East Jerusalem and its immediate vicinity, forcibly annexed in 1980, is progressing house by house, much to the detriment of Palestinian families, some of whom have lived there for several generations, according to Le Monde. Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation has carved the Palestinian city of Hebron into zones of control, inserting hundreds of settlers and putting the city under lockdown.

Key Developments

A report from Middle East Eye reveals that Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, supports the government's move to extend civil control over the occupied West Bank. Baharav-Miara has even backed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who spearheaded the changes, despite having clashed with him in the past.

Reactions and Implications

These moves have drawn widespread criticism, with condemnations from the international community continuing after Israel's measures aimed at strengthening its control over the West Bank, where some 3 million Palestinians live. A pan-Arab survey conducted by the Arab Center Washington DC revealed that more than a quarter of all Arabs believe Israel poses the greatest threat to their region.

Criminalizing the resistance, its weapons and those who carried it out is something we should not accept, Khaled Meshal, a top Hamas leader, said at a conference in Doha, in response to the developments. His sentiment reflects the broader tension in the region, as the Rafah land crossing has recently come into the spotlight after two years of closure.

Current Status

The ongoing situation in the region continues to evolve amidst the rising tension. The condemnation by Arab and Muslim nations at the UN illustrates the growing international concern over Israel's annexation plans and its implications for the peace and stability of the region.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring Israel's next moves, as well as the responses from Arab and Muslim nations and other key players in the region, such as Hamas.