Palestine on Wednesday strongly condemned a non-legally binding motion approved by Israel's parliament, known as the Knesset, on the same day which calls on the Jewish state to exercise the so-called sovereignty over the West Bank.
Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh wrote the social media platform X that the Israeli demand is "a direct assault on the rights of the Palestinian people" and also "a dangerous escalation that undermines the prospects for peace, stability, and the two-state solution based on negotiation".
"These unilateral actions by Israel blatantly violate international law and the current international consensus on the status of occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank", said the post.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said in a statement that the motion is invalid, and that the Knesset's action, a continuation of Israel's atrocities in the occupied West Bank, pose a challenge to international law.
The motion, passed with 71 votes in favor and 13 against, was jointly advanced by right-wing lawmakers from Israel's ruling coalition.
Calling for Israel to exercise the so-called sovereignty over the West Bank, the motion said that this action would send a clear message to the international community that Israel would not accept any territorial concessions.
The international community widely recognizes the West Bank as Palestinian territory. Nevertheless, Israel occupied parts of the West Bank during the 1967 Israeli-Arab Six-Day War and has persistently constructed Jewish settlements in the region despite international opposition.
The UN Security Council Resolution 2334 clearly affirms that Israeli settlements built in occupied territories have no legal validity and constitute a serious violation of international law.
According to media analysis, although the motion carries no legal binding and will not change the legal status of the West Bank, its symbolic significance has garnered widespread attention.
Last year, the Israeli parliament also approved a similar symbolic proposal opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, sparking immediate and widespread criticism from the international community.
Palestine condemns Israeli parliament's motion backing West Bank's annexation
Palestine condemns Israeli parliament's motion backing West Bank's annexation
Palestine condemns Israeli parliament's motion backing West Bank's annexation
