EU demands ‘Israel’ reverse West Bank land decision
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- European Union rejects ‘Israeli’ move to classify West Bank land as “state property”
- Brussels warns annexation violates international law, undermines two-state framework
The European Union on Monday called on ‘Israel’ to withdraw its recent decision to register land in the occupied West Bank as “state property,” an illegal step widely viewed as paving the way for confiscation from Palestinian owners.
European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the measure raises serious legal concerns, reiterating the EU’s longstanding position that annexation of the West Bank is illegal under international law.
EU rejects annexation measures
El Anouni stated that annexation constitutes a violation of international law, calling on 'Israel' to reverse its decision.
He emphasized that the EU does not recognize ‘Israeli’ sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories.
The spokesperson added that new ‘Israeli’ actions in Area C contradict United Nations resolutions and the principles underpinning the two-state solution.
Read more: 'Israel' targets 15% of area C in West Bank in first major land registration since 1967
Read more: ‘Israel’ officially approves West Bank land registration as 'state property'
‘Israeli’ government approval
The EU’s remarks followed reports that the government of ‘Israel’ approved a proposal to initiate land registration procedures in the West Bank under the classification of “state property,” marking the first such move since 1967.
According to ‘Israeli’ media reports, the policy is framed as part of a broader strategy that could lead to the gradual annexation of approximately 15 percent of Area C by 2030.
Oslo framework context
Under the Oslo II Accord, the West Bank was divided into three administrative zones. Area A falls under full Palestinian civil and security control. Area B is governed by Palestinian civil administration with ‘Israeli’ security oversight.
Area C, comprising roughly 61 percent of the West Bank, remains under ‘Israeli’ control pending a final status agreement, which was originally expected by 1999 but was never concluded.
Read more: Jordan slams ‘Israel’ West Bank land grab as illegal annexation
Palestinian concerns
Palestinian officials and analysts argue that reclassification of land as “state property” represents a precursor to annexation, potentially reshaping territorial boundaries and limiting prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
They warn that such policies further erode the two-state solution, a framework consistently endorsed by UN resolutions and international diplomatic efforts.
