RAMALLAH, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Tuesday slammed Israeli officials over statements pledging the annexation of parts of the West Bank to Israel.
"The statements blow the basis of the peace process and puts the entire region through a new dangerous phase of conflict and instability," said Spokesperson for Palestinian Presidency Nabil Abu Rudeinah, in response to statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and chairman of Blue and White party Benny Gantz.
The Palestinian presidency warned all Israeli officials who have repeated such declarations that it will have grave consequences on all signed agreements and understandings between the two sides, according to a statement published by the official Palestinian News Agency WAFA.
Abu Rudeinah urged the international community to "take a firm stance against such Israeli positions, which threaten world's peace, security and stability."
Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, also said in a press statement that "it's a violation of the international law and a continuation of Israel's rejection of the international resolutions."
During a tour north of the Dead Sea on Tuesday, Gantz told reporters that he will annex the West Bank's Jordan Valley "in coordination with the international community" if he wins the upcoming election.
After Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed not only to extend Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley after the election, but also to annex all West Bank settlements "without exception."
Observers said such pledges by Israeli officials are only meant to cater to right wing supporters in hope of winning their votes.
The Jordan Valley covers around 400 square kilometers and represents 30 percent of the West Bank. Israel occupied the territory together with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in June 1967.
Palestinians believe that Israeli settlement activity and land annexation would not allow the establishment of their future Palestinian state on 1967 borders on the basis of the two-state solution as per international law.
