Nearly 20 countries slam Israel’s ‘de facto annexation’ drive in West Bank
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Foreign ministers from nearly 20 countries, including Turkey, Qatar, France, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel's recent moves to extend its control over the West Bank. The statement labels these actions as a "de facto annexation," which threaten the viability of a Palestinian state and violate international law. Specifically, Israel’s plan to register land in Area C—60% of the West Bank’s territory—and classify unregistered Palestinian lands as Israeli "state land" is seen as an unlawful expansion of its control. This could lead to the seizure of property from Palestinians who cannot prove ownership, further entrenching illegal settlements and altering the region's demographic composition.
The joint statement highlights that Israel’s actions contravene numerous international legal frameworks, including United Nations Security Council resolutions and a landmark 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. The ICJ has previously declared Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian territories as "unlawful" due to its abuse of power as an occupying force. With approximately 465,000 Israeli settlers living in illegal settlements across the West Bank, the foreign ministers urge Israel to cease settler violence against Palestinians and take concrete steps to counter settlement expansion and forcible displacement.
The statement also calls on Israel to release tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority under the 1994 Paris Protocol. The signatories stress the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s historic and legal status quo, particularly during Ramadan, when tensions over holy sites are heightened. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that Israel’s land registration plan risks further entrenching its control over Palestinian territory, potentially undermining efforts to establish a future Palestinian state.
This development underscores growing international concern over Israel’s policies in the West Bank and their implications for peace in the Middle East. The joint statement reflects a united front among Arab nations and key global players, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law and respect for Palestinian rights. As tensions persist, the situation remains a critical focus for global diplomacy and efforts to maintain stability in the region.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026