More than 100 countries and international organizations, including India, issued a joint statement at the United Nations condemning Israel’s continued consolidation of control over the West Bank, saying these measures violated international law and undermined ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.India signed the statement late on Wednesday, just before the deadline for joint censure was set to expire. The statement comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel next week, during which he is also likely to address the Knesset.“We strongly condemn Israel’s unilateral decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s illegal presence in the West Bank,” the statement said. “Such decisions violate Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately revoked,” the statement said.It strongly opposes any form of annexation. “We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at changing the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” the statement added.
