The occupation cancels the “Disengagement Law” in the West Bank.. What Does that mean?

The Israeli Minister of War announced on Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024, the cancellation of the “Disengagement Law” in the occupied West Bank, moments after the official recognition by three European countries of the Palestinian state.

The Israeli Army Radio quoted the Minister of War, Yoav Galant, announcing this decision, in which he stated that “Jewish control over the West Bank ensures security.”

What is the “Disengagement” decision?

“Disengagement” is an Israeli unilateral plan implemented by the government of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in the summer of 2005, under which settlements and army camps were evacuated in the Gaza Strip, in addition to four settlements in the northern West Bank.

The cancellation of the “Disengagement” law in the northern West Bank will allow Israelis to return to four settlements in the northern West Bank that were dismantled, namely “Ganim,” “Kadim,” “Homesh,” and “Sanur.”

Despite the dismantling of these settlements in 2005, the occupation did not allow Palestinians to return to and use their lands, which remained under Israeli military rule.

What does the cancellation of the Disengagement decision mean?

According to the Palestinian news agency “Wafa,” this decision is nothing but the beginning of a new settlement process in the West Bank. The settlers will not only return to the mentioned settlements but will also seek to expand them by seizing Palestinian lands.

Jamal Juma, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, warned that the four settlements to which settlers will return will not return to their original size. Projects for rebuilding will commence, accompanied by the declaration of so-called “security zones” to ensure continuous expansion of the settlements.

In addition, infrastructure, roads, military towers, and barracks will be added to facilitate and secure settlers’ entry into those areas, meaning more agricultural land seizure.

Anger over recognition of Palestine

The decision of the Israeli minister came hours after Norway, Spain, and Ireland officially recognized the state of Palestine, while Israel continued its devastating war on Gaza for the eighth month.

With the recognition of the three European countries on Wednesday, the number of countries that have recognized the State of Palestine has risen to 147 out of 193 member states of the United Nations General Assembly.

Both Israel and its ally, the United States, criticize the recognition of states of Palestine and oppose Palestinian efforts to obtain full membership in the United Nations, instead of the “non-member observer state” status established since 2012.

Last April, the United States, Israel’s ally, used its veto power in the UN Security Council against a draft resolution recommending the acceptance of Palestine’s membership.

The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, which started on October 7 last year, has left more than 114,000 Palestinians dead or injured, most of them children and women, and about 10,000 missing amid massive destruction and famine that claimed the lives of children and elderly.

Israel continues its war on Gaza despite a decision by the Security Council to immediately cease fighting and despite the International Court of Justice calling for immediate measures to prevent “genocide” and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.