Al-Kheetan answered the AA correspondent's questions about the latest situation in the West Bank, where the Israeli army and the Israelis who usurped Palestinian lands have increased their pressure, occupation and attacks.
"The situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dire." Using his statement, Al-Kheetan stated that they witnessed an endless list of Israeli violations that increases day by day.
Al-Kheetan emphasized that Palestinians' lands were usurped and they were killed, and said:
"From October 7, 2023 to July 27, we have documented the killing of more than 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers or (illegal) Israeli settlers. People are being evicted from their homes. Israel's policy of consolidating its annexation continues. We are seeing settler attacks. More outposts are emerging, used as 'launching pads' for settler attacks, with the support and sometimes participation of Israeli forces. People are being forcibly displaced." "On the other hand, we are also witnessing forced displacements that may amount to international crimes and raise concerns of ethnic cleansing."
Underlining that the current situation in the West Bank should not be permanent, Al-Kheetan called for accountability in this regard and for an immediate end to this occupation in accordance with international law and the decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
"(Israel) needs to evacuate all illegal settlements"
Al-Kheetan said, "Israel must immediately end its occupation, evacuate all illegal settlements, respect the integrity of Palestinian territory and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. We have concerns that Israel's policy of consolidating the annexation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, will be permanent. This is against international law and fundamental human rights." he said.
Pointing out that Israeli officials' statements about attacks in the West Bank, as in Gaza, are extremely worrying, Al-Kheetan stated that they have seen many Israeli statements denying the fact that the occupied Palestinian lands actually belong to the Palestinian people, and this is extremely worrying about the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
"Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable."
Emphasizing that Israel's expansion of its occupation in the West Bank is extremely worrying, Al-Kheetan noted that they have seen new plans to build more housing units in different settlements, such as the E1 illegal settlement project.
Al-Kheetan said, "These plans will separate the different main areas of the occupied West Bank and therefore threaten the demographic continuity of the Palestinian territories, jeopardizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the state they hope to establish in the future. We are also witnessing ongoing settler attacks with the support and participation of the Israeli authorities. These are legalized and recognized by the Israeli government, contrary to international law. This is very worrying and must be stopped. Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable." he said.
“Any trade or relationship that could facilitate the commission of violations should be blocked.”
Pointing out that it is the responsibility of the international community and UN member states to take action to stop the brutality, violations and abuses in the West Bank, Al-Kheetan reminded that countries have many options to not only speak out but also take action about what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories.
"For example, individual sanctions may be considered. States must ensure that no transfer of weapons that could be used to commit violations occurs. Any trade or relationship that could aid or support the commission of violations should be blocked. The international community should explore all options to stop Israel," Al-Kheetan said. he said.
