Deepening covert actions: Risks posed by Israeli military operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, West Bank

The West Bank is currently experiencing a destabilising period, with Israeli aggression threatening to plunge an already unstable region into an existential crisis for neighbouring countries like Jordan. The European Union (EU) is set to address this issue at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on June 23rd, where they will discuss Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under its Association Agreement with the EU.

European nations are urging action to halt Israel's brutal assault and restrictions on the entry of aid to Gaza, reverse its escalating violence in the West Bank, and deter a potential mass expulsion of its Palestinian population. The EU has admitted that its previous efforts to stop the brutality of Israel's occupation through dialogue have been unsuccessful.

The dismemberment, contraction, and isolation of Palestinian territories are expected to severely impact the ability of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to administer the limited territory it controls. Israel has put the West Bank under lockdown since the conflict with Iran began on June 13th, and is reportedly moving ahead with its "E1" plan to construct 3,412 housing units for Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem, a move opposed by the EU.

Israeli forces have sealed the entrances of cities and villages in the West Bank and established more checkpoints, severely restricting the movement of the 3.2 million Palestinians in the territory. These actions are intended to obstruct the pathway to a two-state solution and entrench an apartheid Israeli regime.

In addition to these actions, Israel is systematically destroying civilian infrastructure in West Bank refugee camps, and has approved the construction of 22 new illegal Israeli settlements last month, including recognising existing informal settlements. The Israeli government is extending tactics of property seizure and demolition to areas under Palestinian and joint control (Areas A and B).

The PA is facing an intractable financial crisis and has become a mechanism of Israel security control, undermining its legitimacy in the eyes of many Palestinians. The Israeli government passed the 'Regularisation Law' on May 11th, facilitating the seizure of Palestinian property and land in Area C of the West Bank.

On June 18th, at least 47 people were killed in Gaza by the Israeli military, and on June 17th, at least 70 people were killed by the Israeli military in Gaza while waiting for aid trucks. These tragic events have further highlighted the urgent need for action from the international community.

More can be done to challenge Israel's settlement project, such as banning settlement trade and investment, and expanding existing sanctions to target Israeli entities such as settlement councils. A qualified majority of EU member states could suspend parts of the Association Agreement relating to preferential trade tariffs and Israeli access to programs such as Horizon Europe.

These measures, if implemented, could send a strong message to Israel that its actions are unacceptable and must be reversed. The EU and its member states have a responsibility to uphold international law and promote peace and stability in the region. It is hoped that the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting will mark a turning point in the EU's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Deepening covert actions: Risks posed by Israeli military operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, West Bank