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The United Nations human rights chief warned that recent Israeli decisions to expand control in the occupied West Bank violate the Palestinian right to self-determination.
UN Warns of Annexation Risk
Volker Turk said measures approved by Israel’s security cabinet form part of ongoing steps toward annexing Palestinian land.
He described the decisions as a breach of international law and warned they could make a viable Palestinian state impossible.
“This is another step toward rendering a Palestinian state impossible,” Turk said in a statement.
Expansion of Israeli Authority
According to the UN human rights office, a package approved on February 8 would expand Israeli civilian authority in parts of Areas A and B in the West Bank. Under the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority currently holds certain powers in these areas.
The new measures would allow Israeli authorities and individuals to acquire land. Turk said this move would strengthen Israeli control and further integrate the occupied West Bank into Israel.
Impact on Palestinians
Turk warned that if authorities implement the measures, they will accelerate the displacement of Palestinians and expand Israeli settlements. He added that the steps would restrict access to natural resources and limit other basic rights.
The decisions also remove some planning and building powers from the Palestinian Authority in parts of Hebron, including the Ibrahimi Mosque. In addition, they place Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem under Israeli administrative control.
Call to Reverse Decisions
Turk urged Israeli authorities to reverse the measures.
“These decisions must be overturned. The settlements must be evacuated. The occupation must end. Now,” he said.
