Israels de facto annexation of the West Bank sparks international condemnation

Foreign Ministers from 19 Countries Issue Joint Statement on Israeli Land Grab

A joint statement signed by foreign ministers from 19 countries, including Turkey, Qatar, France, and Brazil, has condemned Israel’s plans to extend and consolidate its control over Palestinian land. The statement, issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describes Israel’s plans as “de facto annexation” and warns that they could permanently alter the legal and administrative status of territory under Israeli military control.

The plan, signed on February 15, will introduce land registration across Area C, which makes up about 60% of the West Bank’s territory. The statement also notes that changes include reclassifying Palestinian land as “Israeli state land,” accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration.

The joint statement rejects measures altering the demographic composition, character, and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. It calls on Israel to end settler violence against Palestinians and take concrete steps to counter the expansion of illegal settlements in Palestinian territory.

The foreign ministers also stress that Israeli settlements constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including previous United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. The ICJ ruling states that Israel’s “abuse of its status as the occupying power” renders its presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful.

The statement urges Israel to immediately release withheld tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority in accordance with the 1994 Paris Protocol and stresses the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Source: Al Jazeera