West Bank Settlements Expand a Year After Palestinian State Recognition

A year after France, Britain, Canada, Australia and other countries recognized a Palestinian state, Palestinians and rights groups say the move has produced little practical improvement in the West Bank. They report increased settler violence, movement restrictions, demolitions, land confiscations and the weakening of the Palestinian Authority, while Israel’s government continues expanding settlements and rejecting Palestinian statehood. The proposed E1 settlement development east of Jerusalem has drawn particular international concern because it could divide the West Bank and undermine the territorial continuity needed for a viable Palestinian state. The Philippines and several other governments have urged Israel and all parties to avoid unilateral actions that threaten a two-state solution. Palestinian officials argue that diplomatic recognition must be accompanied by concrete international measures to enforce resolutions and curb settlement expansion, while Israel and the United States oppose the recognition campaign, saying it rewards Hamas and could hinder hostage-release and peace efforts.