UN chief condemns Israeli plan to register West Bank land as state property

2026-02-16 - 20:15

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a forceful condemnation Monday of Israel's approval to register West Bank land as "state property," warning the measure threatens to dispossess Palestinians and entrench occupation. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that such actions, including Israel's continued presence in occupied territory, are "not only destabilizing but, as recalled by the International Court of Justice, unlawful." Settlement Expansion and Legal Framework The statement followed Sunday's Israeli government decision, advanced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, to resume land registration procedures in Area C. Guterres reiterated that "all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions." Palestinians view the measures as prelude to formal annexation, undermining the two-state solution endorsed by the international community. Call for Immediate Reversal The secretary-general demanded Israel "immediately reverse these measures," warning that "the current trajectory on the ground is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution." Guterres urged all parties to "preserve the only path to lasting peace, a negotiated two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law." The condemnation adds UN weight to growing international criticism of Israeli land policies in occupied territory.