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Israel's West Bank Land Move Sparks Palestinian Condemnation as Annexation

The Palestinian Presidency has strongly condemned an Israeli security cabinet decision to alter land registration and property acquisition procedures in Areas A and B of the West Bank. It labeled the move, which classifies land as Israeli "state property," an escalation and a de facto annexation that violates international law and signed agreements. The statement calls for international intervention from bodies like the UN Security Council and the United States to compel Israeli compliance. The decision, announced by Israeli ministers, aims to remove legal barriers and accelerate settlement development by making land registries public and repealing old property restrictions.

Key Points: Israel Changes West Bank Land Rules, Palestine Condemns Move

  • Condemned as de facto annexation
  • Violates UN Security Council resolutions
  • Repeals old property purchase restrictions
  • Opens land registries to public
  • Escalates tensions in occupied territory
2 min read

Palestinian Presidency condemns Israel's move to change land registration in West Bank

Palestinian Presidency condemns Israeli cabinet decision on West Bank land registration as a violation of international law and de facto annexation.

"a flagrant violation of international law - Palestinian Presidency"

Ramallah, February 16

The Palestinian Presidency on Sunday condemned Israel's security cabinet decision to change land registration and property acquisition procedures in areas A and B of the West Bank, news agency WAFA reported.

The Presidency called the move an escalation and a flagrant violation of international law.

In a statement, the Presidency said the move to classify West Bank land as "state property" under Israeli authority constitutes a direct threat to security and stability. It stressed that the measure amounts to de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory.

According to WAFA, the Presidency added that the step nullifies signed agreements and violates UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334, which affirms that all Israeli settlement activity in the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity.

The Presidency has called on the international community, including the UN Security Council and the United States, to intervene and to compel Israel to comply with international resolutions to attenuate tensions.

Earlier this month, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also expressed concerns over the Israeli security cabinet's decisions.

The statement follows after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday announced a series of security cabinet decisions to "dramatically" change land registration and property acquisition procedures in the West Bank, as reported by the Times of Israel.

As per the Oslo II Accords, signed in 1995 by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank is divided into three areas- A, B and C, wherein Area C is under full Israeli control, Area B is under Palestinian civilian control and Israeli security control, and Area A is under full Palestinian control, Times of Israel mentioned.

According to the Times of Israel report, the two ministers in a joint statement said that the decisions "are intended to remove decades-old barriers, repeal discriminatory Jordanian legislation, and enable accelerated development of settlement on the ground".

Times of Israel further reported that the approved plan ordered the publication of land registries in the West Bank, which means that property lists will be open to the public, and potential buyers will be able to identify landowners and approach them for purchasing. Till now, land registration in the West Bank had been classified.

It further mentioned that the cabinet action also repealed a legal provision that prevented non-Muslims from buying real estate in the area.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Very concerning. Changing land laws in occupied territory sets a dangerous precedent globally. It reminds me of some tactics used in disputed regions closer to home. Hope our diplomats are watching this closely and advocating for dialogue.
A
Aman W
While I condemn unilateral actions, I also think the Palestinian leadership needs a stronger, more unified response. Just issuing statements isn't enough anymore. They need a concrete strategy, like how India handled its freedom struggle.
D
David E
Living in India, I see the complexity of land disputes. This "repealing discriminatory legislation" line is a classic move to justify settlement expansion. The world can't keep turning a blind eye. UN resolutions must be enforced.
S
Shreya B
This is so sad. Imagine someone coming into your home and changing the papers for your land. My heart goes out to the Palestinian people. India has always supported the Palestinian cause, and we must continue to do so. 🙏
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I have to question the framing here. The article mentions removing barriers for "accelerated development." While the method is controversial, isn't some form of development and open registries better than the current opaque system? Just a thought.
M
Meera T
Another escalation. When will this end

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