Jerusalem – Web Desk: Israel has approved a plan to classify large areas of land in the occupied West Bank as “state property,” a move that has drawn strong condemnation from Palestinian leaders and several regional governments.
Under the policy, land could be registered in the state’s name if Palestinian residents fail to provide documentary proof of ownership. Israeli officials say the decision will restart land registration procedures that have been suspended since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.
Israeli media reported that the proposal was jointly advanced by the finance, justice and defence ministries. Once registration begins in a specific area, individuals claiming ownership will be required to submit formal documentation to support their claims.
The Palestinian presidency described the move as a “serious provocation” and a clear violation of international law, calling it a form of de facto annexation. Palestinian leaders urged the United States and the United Nations Security Council to intervene.
Hamas also condemned the decision, accusing Israel of attempting to legalise land seizures in the occupied territory. The policy is expected to apply primarily to “Area C,” which remains under full Israeli control under the 1990s Oslo Accords.
More than 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C, while many more depend on its agricultural land for their livelihoods. Israel’s anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now warned that the measure could amount to a major land grab, potentially displacing large numbers of Palestinians.
Jordan, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye were among regional countries that criticised the Israeli decision, calling it a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met the U.S. president in Washington. While Washington has previously opposed formal annexation of the West Bank, the administration has taken no clear steps to halt rapid settlement expansion.
In 2024, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlement activity in the West Bank are illegal and should be brought to an end.
