TEHRAN – The recent approval by Israel’s government to register large swaths of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank as “state land” represents a bold step in Israel’s ongoing effort to consolidate its control over Palestinian territories. This decision, seen as a further escalation in the occupation, is condemned by Palestinians and international legal experts alike as a direct violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.
Palestinian reactions to this move have been swift and resolute. Hamas issued a strong condemnation, declaring that the decision is “null and void” because it was made by an “illegitimate occupying authority.” Hamas called the action an attempt to “seize and Judaize” land in the West Bank, warning that such moves would only deepen the ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination. The statement from Hamas emphasized the unity of the Palestinian people, underscoring that all national and resistance forces would continue to resist Israel’s efforts to “impose annexation, Judaization, and displacement plans.” Hamas reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting Palestinian land and national rights, vowing to prevent these “colonial projects” from succeeding.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) also voiced its grave concern, warning of the dangers of Israel’s decision to convert Palestinian lands into “state property.” According to the PA, these actions do not change the fundamental fact that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (al-Quds), and Gaza are occupied Palestinian territories under international law. It called on the international community to hold Israel accountable, urging the United Nations and the Security Council to take immediate and concrete action to stop the ongoing violations.
This decision to designate vast areas of the West Bank as “state property” is part of a broader strategy by Israel to slowly reshape the region in ways that make the establishment of a Palestinian state increasingly difficult. By formalizing control over Palestinian land through legal and bureaucratic measures, Israel aims to make these territories appear as though they are under its sovereignty, even as the international community maintains that the West Bank is occupied land. This incremental approach to annexation, while not officially declared, continues to erode the potential for a two-state solution by reinforcing Israeli control over territories that Palestinians view as their own.
In addition to the direct impacts on Palestinian land rights, this move exacerbates existing tensions and violence. The expansion of Israeli settlements—often carried out under the pretext of security and legality—has already led to increased incidents of violence, harassment, and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians. Settlements are often guarded by Israeli military forces, which further entrenches the occupation and leaves Palestinians vulnerable to both settler violence and military repression.
The international response to Israel’s actions has been, at best, tepid. While many countries and human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s expansion of settlements and land grabs in the West Bank, the global community has largely failed to take meaningful steps to challenge or reverse these policies. The United States, Israel’s strongest ally, continues to offer diplomatic support, often shielding Israel from censure at the United Nations. This complicity allows Israel to press forward with its settlement enterprise without fear of significant consequences.
The ultimate goal of Israel’s actions, whether officially recognized or not, seems to be the gradual transformation of the occupied West Bank into an irreversible part of Israel.
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