PETALING JAYA: The move by the United States to legalise Israeli settlements in the West Bank is a blatant disregard for international laws and multiple United Nations resolutions, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic).

The Prime Minister added that the reversal by the United States on its position on Israel's settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory was an absurdity that amounted to legalising land grabs by neighbours of a country.

"We are no longer safe. If a country wants to enter our country and build their settlements, that is legal. We cannot do anything," said Dr Mahathir

In a statement, Dr Mahathir also expressed fears that the timing of the announcement would further embolden Israeli forces to continue their attack on Gaza.

"You announce that their illegal settlements are not illegal at a time, when they are conducting unjustified attacks on Gaza.

"Isn't it like encouraging them to continue to murder children and civilians and that they will not be punished and instead be rewarded with setting up settlements on the land of the people they have killed?" he said.

Dr Mahathir was commenting on the announcement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said that the Trump administration did not view the Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal, overturning the stance of the previous Obama administration.

Pompeo had also reportedly said that the status of the West Bank was for Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate and added that Israel welcomed the move.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/19/dr-m-move-by-us-to-legalise-israeli-settlements-a-blatant-disregard-of-international-laws