German FM, PA’s premier say Israeli annexation would breach international law

A statement co-signed by Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh condemns Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank.

It says: “They noted with grave concern the agreement between coalition parties in Israel to advance plans for annexation of occupied Palestinian territories as stipulated in the Israeli coalition agreement signed on 20 April. Annexation of any part of occupied Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem constitutes a clear violation of international law and seriously undermines the chances for the two-state solution within a final status agreement.

“Germany took note of the Palestinian view that such a step would put an end to all signed agreements. Both sides emphasized that international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, constitutes a cornerstone of peace and security in the region and of a rules-based multilateral order globally.”