Global impunity fuels Israel’s illegal push to annex West Bank: Amnesty
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Amnesty International has criticized the international community's failure to hold Israel accountable for its escalating annexation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The group argues that this lack of action has allowed Israel to treat the annexation as an "irreversible" reality, emboldening the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accelerate its far-right policies. Despite widespread violations of international law, including the expansion of illegal settlements and state-backed settler violence, global powers have refrained from taking decisive measures such as suspending agreements or imposing punitive actions.
The report highlights how Israel's unchecked behavior has led to a severe escalation in land grabs and settlement construction. Since October 2023, over 1,094 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, according to UN figures. The situation has reached alarming levels, with increased military raids, home demolitions, and forced displacements targeting Palestinian communities. These actions, coupled with systematic violence against civilians, raise concerns of "ethnic cleansing" as outlined in a recent UN Human Rights Council report.
Amnesty International points to specific measures taken by Israel since December 2025, including the tender for over 3,400 housing units in the E1 area and the approval of 68 new settlements. These actions aim to fragment the West Bank further, creating a continuous Israeli presence that would effectively split the territory into isolated enclaves. Such moves not only violate international law but also undermine efforts toward peace and coexistence.
The global community's inaction, particularly the unconditional support from the United States and Europe, has allowed Israel to deepen its occupation and apartheid policies. This failure to address systemic human rights abuses sends a dangerous message to other nations, setting a precedent where perpetrators of international law violations are not held accountable. As tensions rise and Palestinian communities face existential threats, the international community's silence remains a glaring failure in upholding global justice and human rights.
This issue matters globally because it underscores the erosion of international law and the consequences of unchecked state power. The situation in the West Bank not only impacts regional stability but also raises broader concerns about the protection of human rights and the prevention of ethnic cleansing. Without decisive action, the cycle of violence and displacement will likely intensify, leaving little
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026