Palestinian leaders have launched fierce condemnation of Israel's decision to reopen land registration in the West Bank, calling it a "dangerous escalation" that threatens regional stability. The move, approved by Israel's cabinet on Sunday, marks the first systematic land registration effort in the territory since 1967 – sparking outrage across Palestinian political factions. 🚨
Why It Matters
The Palestinian Presidency warned this decision effectively enables illegal settlement expansion, violating UN Security Council Resolution 2334. "This is annexation disguised as bureaucracy," their statement read, urging immediate international intervention. Meanwhile, Hamas labeled the move an attempt to "Judaize" Palestinian land through force.
Behind the Policy Shift
Spearheaded by Israel's far-right ministers, the plan allows the government to register West Bank plots as "state property" – potentially strengthening legal claims for settlement construction. With much land ownership historically undocumented (relying on Ottoman-era records!), critics fear this could rewrite territorial realities on the ground. 🗺️
Global Implications
As Palestinian officials warn of dwindling hopes for a two-state solution, the EU and UN are facing renewed pressure to address what activists call "21st-century colonialism." With 650,000+ Israeli settlers already living in the West Bank, this latest development could redraw the conflict's map – one parcel at a time.
