Palestinian officials denounce Israeli West Bank expansion moves

2026-02-08 - 21:35

The decisions, approved by Israel's security cabinet on Sunday, alter the legal framework governing the West Bank. Key changes include expanding Israeli enforcement powers into areas under Palestinian civil control and transferring planning authority for religious sites like Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque. "The steps represent practical implementation of annexation and displacement plans," warned the Palestinian presidency, stating they pose a serious threat to regional stability. A direct challenge to existing agreements Analysts note the measures directly contravene previous accords. The transfer of authority at the Ibrahimi Mosque complex violates the 1997 Hebron Protocol, while the extension of enforcement into Areas A and B undermines the foundational Oslo Accords. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the moves as "criminal decisions" that constitute a war crime, stressing that an occupying power has no sovereign right to amend local laws. The ministry called for immediate international intervention, including from the United Nations Security Council. Mechanisms of expanded control The practical effects of the policy shift are substantial. By repealing a Jordanian-era law that prohibited the sale of Palestinian land to Israelis and by unsealing old land registries, the path is cleared for accelerated settlement expansion. Furthermore, granting Israel's Civil Administration new powers to demolish structures for violations like unlicensed construction in Areas A and B could lead to a surge in displacements. This comes after a reported 538 demolitions in 2025 alone, affecting roughly 1,400 Palestinian homes and structures. Regional implications and the call for action The Palestinian leadership views these steps as a systematic effort to erase the Palestinian presence through legal and administrative tools. Fatah stated the moves seek to "entrench creeping annexation, legitimize land seizure and accelerate settlement expansion." With calls for the US and international community to pressure Israel, the developments risk further destabilizing an already volatile region. Nations like Türkiye, a consistent advocate for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution, are likely to view this escalation as a major obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East.