American Marconi Wireless News - Israel conducting 'gradual de facto annexation' of W.Bank: UN official

Since last week, Israel has approved a series of initiatives backed by far-right ministers to consolidate control over the West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited autonomy under past deals.

"We are witnessing the gradual de facto annexation of the West Bank, as unilateral Israeli steps steadily transform the landscape," UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told a meeting of the Security Council on the Palestinian question.

"If implemented, these measures will constitute a dangerous expansion of Israeli civil authority in the occupied West Bank, including in sensitive areas like Hebron.

"The moves could lead to settlement expansion by removing bureaucratic barriers and easing land purchases and building permits."

The recently approved steps are set to increase Israel's control in parts of the West Bank where the Palestinian Authority currently exercises power.

Under the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into areas A, B and C -- under Palestinian, mixed and Israeli governance respectively.

The West Bank would form the largest part of any future Palestinian state, but many on Israel's religious right view it as Israeli land.

The Oslo Accords, in place since the 1990s, were signed with the stated aim of paving the way for an independent Palestinian state.

The UN missions for 85 member states issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning Israel's encroaching control of the West Bank.

"We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel's unlawful presence in the West Bank," the statement said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said ahead of DiCarlo's remarks that "amazingly so many countries say the Jewish presence in our ancient homeland violates international law."

"No other nation in any other place in the world has a stronger right than our historical and documented right to the land of the Bible."

P.Martin--AMWN