Algeria lambasts Israel's decision on Sahara

Algeria on July 20 strongly criticized Israel's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Sahara region, saying the move is a violation of international law.

Morocco considers Sahara its own territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front wants an independent state there.

In 2020, then-US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's claim to the territory in return for Morocco's resumption of diplomatic ties with Israel.

Israel on July 17 recognised Morocco's sovereignty.

"The decision... can in no way legitimize sovereignty over occupied Sahara lands", the Algerian Foreign ministry said in statement, reports Reuters.

Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 citing what it said were "hostile acts". Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said this year that relations between the two countries had reached "a point of no return".

The two North African countries, which share a long border, have been locked in a bitter rivalry for decades over Sahara.

Earlier on July 19, a State Department spokesperson told reporters that the U.S. recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara remains unchanged.