Palestine (Washington Insider) - CAIR condemned Israel’s approval of 19 West Bank settlements, East Jerusalem building demolition, and the killing of 16-year-old Rayan Abu Mualla, warning these actions endanger Palestinians and peace efforts.
As CAIR reported, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group in the U.S., has strongly criticised Israel for its recent actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The group condemned Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, calling the move illegal and saying it makes a Palestinian state nearly impossible. CAIR said the expansion violates international law and deepens the occupation.
What is the impact of Israel’s 19 West Bank settlements and Jerusalem demolition on Palestinian peace?
CAIR also condemned the demolition of a building in East Jerusalem, which forced Palestinian families from their homes. The organisation further condemned the killing of a 16-year-old Palestinian in the West Bank.
CAIR urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for actions that violate Palestinian rights and international law. The group said it is urgent to protect civilians and support steps that could lead to a fair and lasting peace in the region.
Due to the ongoing conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians for many decades, these recent developments regarding the Palestinian territories under Israeli occupation have occurred. Since the 6-Day War in 1967, Israel has continued to build settlements within the West Bank; most of these settlements are deemed as unlawful by international law, although Israel believes otherwise.
As of 2023, Israel has approved numerous new settlements and subsequently destroyed homes that ultimately displaced many Palestinians. The amount of violence involving the deaths of young children and other non-combatants has continued within the occupied region of the West Bank due to military operations by both sides since at least 2020. Human-rights organisations have stated that military actions against Palestinian civilians have taken place since at least 2020.