Fact Check: The West Bank and Gaza are Palestinian so why is Israel attacking and stealing their land?

Fact Check: "The West Bank and Gaza are Palestinian so why is Israel attacking and stealing their land?"

What We Know

The claim that "The West Bank and Gaza are Palestinian" is supported by a long history of international law and consensus regarding the status of these territories. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories that Palestinians claim for a future state. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and various UN bodies have recognized these areas as occupied territories, asserting that Israel's presence there is unlawful under international law. In fact, the ICJ stated in a 2024 advisory opinion that Israel's occupation is illegal and called for an end to its "unlawful presence" in these territories (source-2).

Moreover, the Israeli government has recently announced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, which are widely viewed as illegal under international law. As reported, Israeli ministers confirmed the approval of 22 new settlements, marking the largest expansion in decades (source-1). This expansion is seen as a direct impediment to the establishment of a Palestinian state, with Israeli officials stating that such actions are necessary for national security and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state that could threaten Israel (source-1).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a contentious issue, with organizations like Peace Now labeling the recent settlement approvals as a "dangerous escalation" that will entrench the occupation further. The settlements are often built on land that Palestinians claim as their own, leading to accusations of land theft and displacement of Palestinian communities.

Critically, the sources used to substantiate this claim are credible and well-regarded. The BBC, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera are reputable news organizations that provide extensive coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They highlight the perspectives of both Israeli officials and Palestinian representatives, offering a balanced view of the situation. For instance, the Palestinian Authority has condemned the settlement expansions as a violation of international law and a barrier to peace (source-3).

However, it is important to note that Israeli officials dispute the characterization of these settlements as illegal, arguing that the territories are "disputed" rather than occupied (source-2). This narrative is often propagated by right-wing Israeli politicians and is a significant point of contention in the discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite the differing narratives, the overwhelming consensus in international law and among human rights organizations is that the settlements are illegal and that the land is considered Palestinian. The expansion of settlements is viewed not only as a violation of international law but also as a significant obstacle to peace and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.

Conclusion

The claim that "The West Bank and Gaza are Palestinian so why is Israel attacking and stealing their land?" is True. The evidence clearly indicates that the West Bank and Gaza are recognized as occupied Palestinian territories under international law, and the recent actions by the Israeli government to expand settlements further complicate the already tense situation. The expansion of settlements is widely viewed as a direct threat to Palestinian statehood and a continuation of land appropriation practices that have persisted since the occupation began.

Fact Check: The West Bank and Gaza are Palestinian so why is Israel attacking and stealing their land?