Ramallah, Palestine — Mahmoud Al-Habbash, advisor to the Palestinian President, declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the primary sponsor of settlement expansion and the rejection of a Palestinian state. Speaking on political developments, Al-Habbash emphasized that Israeli policies aim to systematically dismantle prospects for a two-state solution and end the occupation.
He noted that ongoing measures on the ground severely complicate any path toward achieving a fair and comprehensive political settlement.
Rejection of Palestinian Statehood and Threats to Contiguity
In statements broadcast on Al-Qahira News, Al-Habbash noted that Netanyahu has consistently opposed Palestinian statehood while employing various pretexts to evade peace requirements. He added that accelerated settlement construction serves as the primary mechanism to eliminate the potential for a viable, geographically contiguous Palestinian state.
Furthermore, the presidential advisor stated that opposition to a two-state framework extends beyond Netanyahu to broad segments of the Israeli political establishment, heightening political and operational risks across Palestinian territories.
Consequences of Collapse and Proposed Alternatives
Al-Habbash warned that dismantling two-state prospects will severely impact broader regional peace and security. He highlighted that the remaining alternatives upon the collapse of the two-state solution are either a single democratic state guaranteeing equal rights for all residents or a permanent system of separation and discrimination.
Consequently, he urged the international community to take immediate action against unilateral settlement policies, demanding concrete measures to end the occupation and preserve possibilities for lasting peace.
