Western media reported on Friday evening that the United Nations has identified 158 companies from 11 countries linked to the development of Israeli settlements. The United Nations clarified that earlier this month, more than 80 international non-governmental organizations, including Oxfam and the Human Rights Association, called on countries and companies, especially European ones, to end all forms of commercial dealings with those established on occupied Palestinian territories.
These figures were mentioned in a statement by the United Nations titled ‘Trade with Illegal Settlements: How Foreign States and Companies Enable Israel to Implement its Illegal Settlement Policy.’ The UN report confirmed that ‘the continued activities of some foreign companies and institutions within the colonies directly contribute to exacerbating the humanitarian crisis resulting from the long-term Israeli occupation.’
In the same context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a new decision on the 11th of this month, approving a plan to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank near Jerusalem. The plan, known as ‘E-1,’ if implemented, will lead to the division and isolation of the north from the south, which observers believe ‘represents the end of any hope for establishing a geographically viable Palestinian state.’
Netanyahu stated in a press conference that ‘Israel’s eastern borders will be in the Jordan Valley, not at the Ma’ale Adumim settlement,’ adding, ‘I promise you there will be no Palestinian state.’ The plan approved by Netanyahu has caused international controversy as it aims to eliminate the chances of establishing a Palestinian state with a defined geographic scope and known borders.
Netanyahu’s statements regarding the West Bank come at a time when the war on the Gaza Strip continues, which has resulted in the death of approximately 63,000 Palestinians and the injury of about 164,000 others from October 2023 to this September.
