What solutions can the West Bank find to reduce its concerns about escalating tensions?

In 2021, Washington strongly opposed the actions of Israeli extremists against Palestinians in the West Bank, and repeated this in May 2023. However, the US has not really taken concrete actions on the issue. The US State Department's new visa restriction policy targets individuals believed to be involved in acts undermining peace , security and stability in the West Bank. The agency added that immediate family members of these individuals may also be affected by these measures.

Fire and smoke rise above a building in Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on October 7 (Photo: AFP).

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had used a drone to "destroy a terrorist group in the West Bank." The statement stressed that this was "an exceptional move that is usually only used to attack dangerous terrorist elements or rocket launchers in Gaza." The quoted report stated that the Palestinian Authority will ask the international community to protect the Palestinian people in their territory and oppose the use of force in the city of Nablus. Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki issued a statement stating that the regional government has requested an emergency meeting of the Arab League (AL) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In a statement, the Elysée Palace said the two leaders stressed the importance of providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The two sides also agreed to provide essential necessities to the people and prioritize the evacuation of foreign citizens.

Palestinians clash with Israeli troops in the West Bank. Photo: RT

The French President and the British Prime Minister also expressed concern about the escalating tension in the region, especially in the West Bank. The Elysée Palace also stated that the two leaders affirmed their support for Israel's right to self-defense within the limits of respect for humanitarian law and international law. The incident occurred when gunmen attacked an Israeli security checkpoint in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, near the city of Nablus. The Israeli Army's statement stated that security forces "neutralized" three gunmen and captured a fourth after he surrendered. The statement added that the British and French leaders were particularly concerned about the situation of the hostages and agreed to promote the release of the hostages being held. Both French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have visited Israel and neighboring countries since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out. During his visit to Israel on October 19, Rishi Sunak urged the opening of a corridor for aid from Egypt into the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, allowing British citizens stranded there to leave. In preparation for an escalation of tensions, Israeli police have raised the alert level nationwide and increased security presence in Jerusalem and many other important areas. In addition, the Israeli army has also reinforced the Iron Dome air defense system, which is responsible for intercepting rockets from the Gaza Strip. The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. Many European countries have urged the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to proceed with the construction of more than 7,000 settlements across the occupied West Bank and legalize settlement outposts. Neighboring countries and the international community have expressed concern about the violence in the West Bank. Egypt and Jordan have called on Israel to end attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the bloody attacks must end immediately so as not to undermine regional and international efforts to ease tensions in the West Bank. Jordan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern, saying unilateral measures, including Israel's settlement expansion, undermine the foundations of peace in the region. The US State Department said on December 5 that it would impose visa restrictions on those involved in the repression of Palestinians in the West Bank. Washington also urged Israel to increase protection for Palestinians in the region and punish anyone involved in attacks on civilians or restricting their access to basic needs.

Bui Tue (compilation and commentary)