Palestinian Foreign Ministry: Israeli Move to Reclassify West Bank Land Is Illegal and a Clear Step Toward Annexation

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the Israeli government’s decision to classify large areas of occupied West Bank land as so-called “state land,” describing the move as illegal and a deliberate step toward the annexation of Palestinian territory.

The Ministry affirms that this measure is null and void under international law and constitutes a de facto step toward annexation, undermining the foundations and viability of the Palestinian state.

The Ministry further considers this decision a direct challenge to the international legal order and the will of the international community. It represents a grave breach of the principles of international peace and security and clearly contradicts United Nations resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which reaffirmed the illegality of settlements in all occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. It also contradicts the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which affirmed the illegality of the Israeli occupation.

The Ministry calls upon the international community, the UN Security Council, and all relevant international legal bodies to take a firm stand against these unlawful unilateral measures and to adopt urgent steps to deter the occupying power and halt the ongoing annexation and settlement activities that threaten the two-state solution, undermine international consensus, and jeopardize regional peace and stability.