Shortly after Palestine was declared a non-member observer state by the United Nations, Israel announced plans to construct 3,000 new settler homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The international community, including countries which voted against recognition of the Palestinian state, has since urged Israel to backpedal.
U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton states, "Let me reiterate that [the Obama administration], like previous administrations, has been very clear with Israel that these activities set back the cause of negotiated peace."
Just a day prior, U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice labeled the U.N.'s measure as an "unfortunate resolution" which "places further obstacles in the path of peace."
U.K. foreign secretary William Hague echoed Clinton's sentiments, admitting that "I don't think there is enthusiasm...about economic sanctions in Europe on Israel. I don't believe there would be anywhere near a consensus, nor is that our approach...Nevertheless, if there is no reversal of the decision that has been announced, we will want to consider what further steps European countries should take."
Palestine argues that a two-state solution will be impossible once Israel further entangles negotiations through its settlement expansions. In a letter to the U.N., the Palestinian people asked the council to "act immediately to demand an end to Israel's illegal activities and salvage the prospects for reviving credible peace negotiations for attainment of the two-state solution of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security on the basis of pre-1967 borders."
In 1967, Israel occupied the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Syrian Golan, and Egyptian Sinai. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes.
European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton expressed that she was "extremely concerned" by Israel's construction plans.
Saeb Erekat, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmous Abbas, said that the new settlements "will leave us with no peace process," noting that "it's over" if Israel follow through with their plans.
"Don't talk about peace, don't talk about a two-state solution...talk about a one-state reality between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean," Erekat continued.
It remains to be seen how Palestine will leverage its newfound recognition in the U.N. in the struggle to halt Israel's expansion.
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