EU condemns Israel’s West Bank land registration changes

The European Union has condemned Israel’s Security Cabinet decision to amend land registration and property acquisition procedures in the West Bank, calling the steps “counterproductive and incompatible with international law.”

In a joint statement, High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Šuica and Lahbib said the measures risk undermining ongoing international efforts aimed at stabilising the region and advancing peace, Caliber.Az reports.

They warned that the decisions could also threaten the sensitive status quo of religious sites under the Hebron Protocol between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The EU reiterated its long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.

Highlighting the need for restraint, the statement said: “We urge all parties to refrain from unilateral measures which increase tensions and further erode the chances of a negotiated solution. This is especially important at a time when coordinated international efforts are underway to advance peace and stability in the region."

On February 8, Israel’s security cabinet approved measures aimed at increasing Israeli control over the occupied West Bank and reducing the powers of the Palestinian Authority. The decisions, announced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are expected to make it easier for Jewish settlers to take Palestinian land, with Smotrich stating that Israel will “continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the move as “dangerous” and called for U.S. and U.N. intervention. Jordan’s foreign ministry criticised the decision as an attempt to impose “illegal Israeli sovereignty,” while Hamas urged Palestinians in the West Bank to escalate resistance.

The measures still require approval from Israel’s top West Bank commander.

 Aghakazim Guliyev