US to offer passport services to citizens in illegal West Bank settlements
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The US Embassy in Jerusalem will offer passport services in the West Bank settlement of Efrat, marking the first time the US has provided on-site consular services in Israeli settlements. This initiative, part of a 250th-anniversary celebration, has drawn criticism from Palestinian officials who view it as a violation of international law and an endorsement of Israeli settlements. Similar services are planned for Beitar Illit, another settlement, as well as Ramallah and three cities within Israel. The Israeli foreign minister welcomed the move, while Palestinian groups like Hamas condemned it as legitimizing settlement activity. The US embassy stated that the services are intended to assist American citizens.
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