Jerusalem: Thomas Nides, the American ambassador to Israel, has voiced his concern regarding Israel's new regulations governing foreigners' access to the Palestinian territories. According to reports in the media, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a division of the Israeli Defense Ministry, published a list of guidelines and restrictions for visitors who want to enter the West Bank's Palestinian neighbourhoods on Sunday.
"I continue to have concerns with the published protocols," Nides wrote in a tweet on Sunday. "I am particularly concerned about COGAT's role in determining whether individuals invited by Palestinian academic institutions are qualified to enter the West Bank and the potential detrimental impact on family unity."
The ambassador said he has previously spoken with Israeli authorities about the matter and will do so again.
In addition, Nides expressed his hope that the Israeli government would "ensure transparency and the fair and equal treatment of all U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals travelling to the West Bank." "It is important to ensure that all of these regulations are developed in coordination with key stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority," Nides said.
The new rules will go into effect in 45 days and be in effect for a two-year trial period. Israeli authorities have modified previously published draughts of the regulations, especially with regard to the demands that foreigners who are in romantic relationships with Palestinians notify Israeli authorities of their relationships.
US should take key role in stopping unilateral Israeli measures: Palestine
Israel attacked airport in Aleppo, Syria, damaged the runway
US not to obstruct Palestine's application for full UN membership