"Cuba reiterates its rejection of Israeli plans to annex Palestinian territories in the West Bank which would increase the risks of conflict in the region. The only possible solution is a Palestinian state with its pre-1967 borders," Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla recently posted on his Twitter account.
This statement comes amidst a strong international condemnation of Tel Aviv's decision to annex some 30% of Palestinian territory in the West Bank, keeping a promise made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that was to begin this July, after support from Donald Trump's administration was provided with the publication of a U.S. document entitled “Peace for Prosperity. A vision for improving the lives of the Palestinian and Israeli people,” incredibly called the Agreement of the Century.
Several elements corroborate the illegality of this attack by the Zionist state on the Palestinian people.
The annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law
The United Nations Charter, the Fourth Geneva Convention and numerous UN agreements recognize as inadmissible the acquisition of territory by force. Israel's annexation of the region, in addition to constituting a serious violation of international law and of eight Security Council resolutions since 1967, contravenes the right to independence and self-determination of the Palestinian people, and will cause the Arab population suffering and economic hardship.
The annexation would constitute apartheid for Palestinians
Michael Lynk, UN special rapporteur for human rights in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, has said that the annexation would leave Palestinians with only enclaves of isolated territory surrounded by Israel, "what would be left of the West Bank would become a Palestinian Bantustan, an archipelago of distant islands, completely surrounded and divided by Israel and disconnected from the outside world. Apartheid is considered a crime against humanity, according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The annexation would erode the internationally supported two-state solution and affect regional peace
This action by Tel Aviv runs counter to a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which would enable the Arab people to exercise their right to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state with the pre-1967 borders, and East Jerusalem as its capital, which would provide for refugees’ right of return. It could trigger a new conflict with incalculable consequences in the Middle East.
The annexation is opposed by a significant majority within the international community Numerous states, organizations and figures have condemned Israel's plans.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated, "If implemented, annexation would constitute a more serious violation of international law, seriously damage the possibility of a two-state solution and undermine the chances of renewed negotiations. I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans."
"The annexation is illegal. Period… Any annexation. Be it 30% of the West Bank or 5%," declared the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.
