West Bank – UN Chief Criticizes Israel’s New Measures
West Bank – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised serious concerns over a recent move by Israel’s security cabinet to introduce administrative and enforcement measures in parts of the West Bank. Speaking through his spokesperson on Tuesday, Guterres warned that the decision could further weaken hopes for a negotiated two-state solution.
UN Expresses Alarm Over Cabinet Decision
In a statement delivered by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General described himself as “gravely concerned” about the reported approval of new policies affecting Areas A and B of the West Bank. According to the UN, such actions risk worsening an already fragile political climate.
Guterres cautioned that developments on the ground, including the newly approved measures, are steadily diminishing the possibility of establishing two states living side by side in peace. He reiterated that a negotiated settlement remains the only viable route toward lasting stability in the region.
The UN chief also referred to previous findings by the International Court of Justice, stating that certain Israeli actions in occupied territories have been deemed unlawful under international law. He urged Israel to reconsider the latest decisions and called on all sides to avoid steps that could undermine future peace efforts.
Israeli Ministers Outline Policy Changes
The UN statement followed an announcement made Sunday by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The two ministers revealed that the security cabinet had approved a set of measures aimed at revising land registration and property acquisition rules in the West Bank.
According to reports published by The Times of Israel, the ministers said the changes would significantly alter how land ownership is documented and transferred. They described the plan as an effort to remove what they called outdated barriers and discriminatory legislation inherited from earlier legal frameworks.
The cabinet’s decision reportedly includes publishing land registries, which would make property records publicly accessible. Under the new approach, prospective buyers would be able to identify landowners and directly negotiate purchases. Previously, such records were not openly available.
The measures also remove a legal clause that had restricted non-Muslims from purchasing property in certain areas, according to the same report.
Background on West Bank Administrative Divisions
The West Bank’s administrative structure is rooted in the Oslo II Accords signed in 1995 between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Under that agreement, the territory was divided into three zones: Areas A, B, and C.
Area A is under full Palestinian civil and security control. Area B falls under Palestinian civil administration while Israel maintains security oversight. Area C, which comprises the majority of the territory, remains under full Israeli civil and security authority.
The newly approved measures relate specifically to Areas A and B, adding to longstanding debates over jurisdiction and governance in those regions.
Palestinian Authority Responds
The Palestinian Authority strongly criticized the cabinet’s decisions. According to WAFA News Agency, President Mahmoud Abbas described the measures as illegal and lacking legitimacy. He called on both the United States and the United Nations to intervene and prevent their implementation.
Abbas’s office also expressed concern about the potential impact on religious sites, warning against any change in authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. The compound holds deep significance for both Muslims and Jews, and disputes surrounding it have historically heightened tensions.
Renewed Focus on Peace Efforts
The latest developments come at a time of heightened regional sensitivity. The UN has repeatedly emphasized that unilateral actions risk complicating diplomatic efforts and increasing instability.
In his message, Guterres appealed to all parties to uphold international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He maintained that meaningful negotiations remain the only sustainable path toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As discussions continue, international observers are closely monitoring how these measures may shape political dynamics in the West Bank and influence broader peace initiatives in the Middle East.