India signs statement condemning Israel’s plan for West Bank, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• India signed a joint statement condemning Israel's plan for West Bank settlements after initially skipping a joint appearance at the United Nations.
• The statement, read by Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, criticised Israel's expansion in the West Bank.
• Over 100 states and international organizations joined the statement, including BRICS members, Japan, Australia, and EU member states.
• India's initial hesitation was linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel on February 25-26.

Detailed Insights:

• India has traditionally supported a Palestinian state and criticised Israel’s settlement policy, making the initial decision surprising.
• The West Bank is a disputed territory captured by Israel in 1967 and is a key area in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.
• The joint statement reflects international concern over unilateral actions that undermine the two-state solution and prospects for peace.

Key Concepts Involved:

• West Bank: A landlocked territory near the Mediterranean coast of Western Asia, claimed by the State of Palestine.
• Two-state solution: A proposed framework for resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict by establishing two independent states.
• Settlement Policy: Israel's policy of constructing settlements in occupied territories, viewed as illegal under international law by many.