Geneva (AFP) - United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned Wednesday that Israel's plans to tighten its grip on the occupied West Bank in preparation for expanding settlements constitute a step towards consolidating its illegal annexation.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 14:27

The plans include allowing Jewish Israelis to purchase land in the West Bank directly and expanding Israel's control to include areas under the administration of the Palestinian Authority.

Turk stated that the decisions issued by the Israeli Security Ministerial Council are the latest in a series of measures aimed at annexing Palestinian lands.

He said in a statement, "This is another step by the Israeli authorities towards making the establishment of a viable Palestinian state impossible, in violation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination."

He added, "If these decisions are implemented, they will undoubtedly accelerate the stripping of Palestinians of their rights and forced displacement, and will lead to the establishment of more illegal Israeli settlements. They will also further deprive Palestinians of their natural resources and restrict their enjoyment of other human rights."

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.

With the exception of East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed, across the West Bank more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts illegal under international law, along with three million Palestinians.

Turk said the new measures would “further consolidate Israeli control and integrate the occupied West Bank into Israel, strengthening illegal annexation.”

He pointed out that it comes within a broader context with the increasing attacks by settlers and Israeli security forces on Palestinians in the West Bank, in addition to forced displacement, evictions, home demolitions, land seizures, movement restrictions, and other violations documented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

He stated, "We are witnessing accelerating steps to permanently change the demographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territory, by stripping its residents of their lands and forcing them to leave."

He added, "This is supported by speeches and practices issued by senior Israeli officials, and constitutes a violation of Israel's duties as an occupying power to preserve the existing legal system and social fabric. These decisions must be cancelled."

© 2026 AFP

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.