Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has urged British and other European leaders to show Israel that annexation has a cost and to consider sanctions against the country if plans go ahead.
Speaking at an online event organised by the Council for Arab-British Understanding, Mr Shtayyeh railed against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank in July.
The land on which Israel has built settlements is part of the territory Palestinians and much of the international community view as part of a possible future Palestinian state.
“I think the Israelis should realise that this annexation measure has a cost and they will pay for it and I think the British government is in a position to make such a statement,” the Palestinian prime minister said while addressing a group that included British MPs.
Mr Shtayyeh hit out at US President Donald Trump’s so-called deal of the century, revealed at the start of this year, which gave Israel the green light for annexation.
Mr Shtayyeh characterised the US initiative as a “disaster plan that has been rejected by the whole world”.
“The United States’ proposal has been born dead. There is a political vacuum. Europe can fill the vacuum,” Mr Shtayyeh said.
“Europe has many agreements with Israel ... all these are tools that Europe can really pressure Israel with. I think the Israelis really understand what economic sanctions mean.”
The Palestinian prime minister also called on the British government to adopt a double-track approach as it prepared for the likelihood of annexation.
“It is so important that the British government will go into a double-track approach: one with Washington to explain the dangers of this annexation and that the Israelis should feel the heat of the consequences of their measures,” he said.
The majority of the international community including Britain, other European nations and the European Union, have condemned Israel’s repeated intention of annexing some 30 per cent of Palestinian territory in the West Bank.
International leaders and experts have said the Israeli plans would effectively end any hopes of a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict and a potential Palestinian state.
Britain has vowed not to let Israeli annexation go unchecked but speaking on Tuesday, the country's Middle East Minister James Cleverly said he did not agree with individuals calling for sanctions and disinvestment in response to the potential move by Israel.
"The United Kingdom will not recognise any unilateral attempt to change the border,” Mr Cleverly said while addressing the UN last week.
"Such a step would go against the rules-based international order and the UN Charter. Annexation could not go unanswered and we implore Israel to reconsider."
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
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More from Neighbourhood Watch
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
