The delegation, which included representatives from local French authorities, was set to attend the "Palestine Year 2025" initiative, celebrating 30 years of partnership between Palestinian and French cities. However, Israel's decision to prevent the delegation's entry led to the cancellation of the visit, causing strong condemnation from the Municipality of Bethlehem.
Isaac’s comment underscores the growing sense of isolation in Palestinian ciries, where movement and international connections are increasingly restricted. His warning highlights the broader impact of such policies, which aim to disconnect Palestinian cities.
Bethlehem's municipality has vowed to continue its efforts to foster international cooperation, emphasizing its commitment to peace, freedom, and cultural exchange, despite Israeli efforts to obstruct such initiatives.
Israel had prevented a French parliamentary delegation from entering the West Bank, accusing its members of being 'terrorists'. In response, France deemed the Israeli decision "regrettable, counterproductive, and damaging to French-Israeli relations." Multiple reports have confirmed that Israel is accelerating settlement construction in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, to further its interests and implement annexation plans by isolating Palestinian cities and separating them from one another. West Bank towns are now trapped behind over 1,000 Israeli checkpoints and iron gates. This expanding network has turned daily life into a maze of delays, searches, and fear.
