Israel has granted licenses for gas exploration in regions that happen to be within Palestine’s maritime boundaries, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn objections from various quarters.
The Israeli government has awarded exploration permits to six Israeli and international companies to search for natural gas in areas recognized by international law as falling within Palestinian maritime territory. This decision, announced in October last year amid heightened tensions, particularly in Gaza, where Israel intensified its military activities, has raised concerns regarding its legality and ethical implications.
Adalah, the Legal Center for the Protection of Arab Minority Rights in Israel, has urged the Israeli Energy Ministry to revoke these licenses, arguing that they violate international humanitarian law and customary international norms. According to Adalah, Israel’s actions amount to de facto annexation of Palestinian maritime areas, undermining the rights of the occupied population and flouting international legal frameworks.
Concerns have been raised about the implications of these exploration activities on the economic interests and sovereignty of Palestine. Critics argue that Israel’s decision to grant licenses disregards Palestinian claims over these maritime territories, exacerbating existing tensions and hindering efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
The issue of maritime jurisdiction has been contentious, with Palestine asserting its boundaries under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, only to face objections from Egypt and Israel. Despite efforts to address unauthorized activities in Palestinian maritime areas, including recent notifications to the UN, the situation remains unresolved, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.
Overall, the granting of gas exploration licenses in disputed maritime territories underscores the absolute injustice of the Israeli government towards the occupied Palestinians and the challenges of navigating competing claims and interests in the pursuit of natural resources.
