US President Donald Trump has stated he will not allow Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Speaking ahead of the Israeli prime minister's address to the UN General Assembly, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank ... It's not going to happen.
Trump, poised to meet Netanyahu on Monday, also mentioned that a Gaza deal was pretty close. Israel is under increasing global pressure to end the war in Gaza and continue its occupation of the West Bank, especially as a wave of Western nations recognizes an independent Palestinian state. Far-right Israelis advocate for annexation as a way to halt this progression.
Ultranationalists in Netanyahu's coalition have consistently pushed for outright annexation of the West Bank, which is part of Palestinian territories. Nations like the UK and Germany have warned Israel against such moves, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres stating that it would be morally, legally and politically intolerable.
During a press briefing, Trump noted ongoing talks with Netanyahu and other Middle Eastern leaders, expressing optimism about nearing a deal regarding Gaza, potentially leading to a broader peace agreement. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the UN via video, confirmed his readiness to collaborate internationally on implementing peace plans, despite being barred from attending the assembly in person due to US restrictions.
Recent developments have seen countries from Canada to France recognizing Palestinian statehood, adding more international recognition to the Palestinian cause. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's government faces increased scrutiny as the conflict escalates with heavy attacks in Gaza.
With humanitarian crises worsening in Gaza, including reports of thousands of civilian casualties, international responses are mounting. Countries express solidarity with Palestinian civilians, asserting that a sustainable resolution requires ending the current state of occupation and violence.
Trump, poised to meet Netanyahu on Monday, also mentioned that a Gaza deal was pretty close. Israel is under increasing global pressure to end the war in Gaza and continue its occupation of the West Bank, especially as a wave of Western nations recognizes an independent Palestinian state. Far-right Israelis advocate for annexation as a way to halt this progression.
Ultranationalists in Netanyahu's coalition have consistently pushed for outright annexation of the West Bank, which is part of Palestinian territories. Nations like the UK and Germany have warned Israel against such moves, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres stating that it would be morally, legally and politically intolerable.
During a press briefing, Trump noted ongoing talks with Netanyahu and other Middle Eastern leaders, expressing optimism about nearing a deal regarding Gaza, potentially leading to a broader peace agreement. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the UN via video, confirmed his readiness to collaborate internationally on implementing peace plans, despite being barred from attending the assembly in person due to US restrictions.
Recent developments have seen countries from Canada to France recognizing Palestinian statehood, adding more international recognition to the Palestinian cause. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's government faces increased scrutiny as the conflict escalates with heavy attacks in Gaza.
With humanitarian crises worsening in Gaza, including reports of thousands of civilian casualties, international responses are mounting. Countries express solidarity with Palestinian civilians, asserting that a sustainable resolution requires ending the current state of occupation and violence.
