Taipei: A senior official from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that potential discussions regarding a donation to a medical project in an Israeli settlement have not violated any red lines, despite facing criticism from rights groups. Philippe Yen, director-general of MOFA's Department of West Asian and African Affairs, emphasized during a news briefing that Taiwan's engagement with Israel is currently in the "exploratory" phase concerning humanitarian assistance to the occupied West Bank.

According to Focus Taiwan, Yen clarified that no formal decisions or plans have been enacted, countering reports that Taiwan's representative to Israel, Abby Lee, committed to funding the Nanasi Medical Center in Sha'ar Binyamin, located north of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. Yen confirmed that Lee had signed a "declaration of partnership" during a visit to the Binyamin Regional Council, which was an invitation by Israeli lawmaker Ohad Tal. However, the declaration was limited to dialogue on medical issues without any financial commitments.

The international stance generally views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law, a position contested by the Israeli government. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in July 2024, stating that all states should not recognize the legality of Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and should refrain from supporting the situation.

Yen pointed out that the ICJ's opinion is "non-binding" and that Taiwan's potential involvement does not fall within its jurisdiction. Despite this, reports of Taiwan's possible aid have drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Chiu E-Ling, head of Amnesty International Taiwan, warned in an op-ed for The Diplomat that Taiwan's involvement could imply complicity in Israel's international law violations, as it could appear to legitimize settlements that exclude Palestinians.

In light of these developments, informal civic groups are planning a protest outside MOFA on August 3, urging the government to cease all financial support to Israel. Yen responded by affirming the government's respect for freedom of speech and assembly. He also highlighted Taiwan's humanitarian efforts towards Palestinians, noting a donation of US$500,000 to an American NGO providing aid to Gaza following the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023.