EU condemns far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir

“The EU strongly condemns the comments of the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, on the freedom of movement of Arabs in the occupied West Bank,” read the written statement of the EU Palestine Representation. expressions were used.

Emphasizing that relations between Israel and the EU must be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, the following was noted:

“All people are equal and should be treated equally. In this context, respect for democratic values ​​and human rights, including those of people living under occupation in the Palestinian territories, is at the heart of the EU-Israel partnership.

The EU recalls that settlements are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible.”

Underlining that the EU “reiterated its strong opposition” to Israel’s settlement policy, the statement said: “The EU enables Israel to tangibly improve freedom of movement and access for Palestinians in Area C (of the occupied West Bank). It calls for the acceleration of construction, social and economic development and the reversal of the deterioration of the living conditions of the Palestinians.” It was said.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ben-Gvir, known for his racist rhetoric and provocative actions against Palestinians, said yesterday on an Israeli TV Channel 12 program that freedom of movement for Jews is more important than freedom for Palestinians.

Addressing the journalist with whom he was discussing, Ben-Gvir said: “The right that I, my wife and my children have to travel to Judah and Samaria (the name given to the West Bank by fanatical Jews) is more important than the right to the Arabs. travel. I’m sorry Mohammed, but that’s the truth.” He had used the words.

Ben-Gvir’s words caused a great reaction among users of social networks.

The West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Palestinian territories have been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

Some 700,000 Jewish settlers live in some 300 illegal and illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal under international law.

Under the “Second Oslo Accord” signed between the Palestinian and Israeli administrations in 1995, the West Bank was divided into regions A, B and C. While the administration of “zone A”, which covers 18 percent of The West Bank, was transferred to Palestine in administrative and security terms, the administrative administration of “Area B”, with 21 percent, was transferred to Palestine and its security was transferred to Israel. The administration and security of area C was left in the hands of Israel. (AA)