Baghdad calls Israeli Knesset vote ‘a blatant violation of international law’

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of draft laws aimed at imposing sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, calling the move “a blatant violation of international law.”

In a statement, the ministry said the legislation represented “a direct infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and warned that such “expansionist measures undermine the prospects for stability.”

The ministry urged the international community to “assume its legal and humanitarian responsibilities” and take a firm stance against “the aggressive and expansionist policies pursued by the occupying authorities.”

On Oct. 22, the Israeli Knesset approved in a preliminary reading a draft law to apply Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, passing it by 25 votes to 24. Another draft law, seeking to extend sovereignty over the Maale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem, passed by 32 votes to 9.

The proposals have drawn criticism from Arab and international observers, who warn the measures could further escalate tensions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affair:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Republic of Iraq’s strong condemnation of the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two draft laws aimed at imposing sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and illegal settlements. This step constitutes a blatant violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and a direct infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The ministry affirms that such expansionist measures undermine the prospects for stability and entrench the reality of occupation and settlement, threatening security and stability across the entire region.

The Republic of Iraq also reiterates its firm and supportive position on the Palestinian cause, and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministry calls on the international community to assume its legal and humanitarian responsibilities and to take a firm stand against the aggressive and expansionist policies pursued by the occupying authorities against the Palestinian people. It also condemns the ongoing violations committed by these authorities.