Abu Dhabi, UAE – Israel’s decision to designate large swaths of the occupied West Bank as “state land” and begin the process of registering ownership has sparked widespread international outrage. This wave of condemnation was spearheaded by eight Arab and Muslim countries, which described the move as a “dangerous escalation.” They also stated that it paves the way for a de facto and comprehensive annexation.
Statement from eight countries: Escalation aimed at consolidating sovereignty
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan condemned in the strongest terms the commencement of large-scale land registration and settlement procedures in the West Bank. This move is the first of its kind undertaken by Israel since the occupation of Palestinian territory in 1967.
The joint statement read:
“This illegal step constitutes a dangerous escalation aimed at accelerating illegal settlement activity, confiscating land, entrenching Israeli control, and imposing illegal sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, thereby undermining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Legislative context “to facilitate settlement”
These developments on the ground come just one week after Israeli authorities approved new legal measures aimed at:
Facilitating land purchases: Enabling settlers and Jewish organizations to buy land in the West Bank more easily.
Removing historical restrictions: Repealing an old law that prohibited Jews from owning land in certain areas of the West Bank.
Imposing a new reality: Expediting the “registration and transfer” procedures to preempt any future legal claims by Palestinian landowners.
