Over 80 UN member states condemn Israel's de facto annexation of West Bank

New York [US], February 19: More than 80 United Nations member states have condemned Israel's plan to expand control over the occupied West Bank and claim large tracts of Palestinian territory as Israeli "state property"."We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel's unlawful presence in the West Bank," Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said on Tuesday, speaking on behalf of the coalition of 85 member states and several international organisations. "Such decisions are contrary to Israel's obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed. We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation," Mansour said."We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem," he said.Signatories to the joint statement include Australia, Canada, China, France, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.Source: Qatar Tribune