UN Condemns Israel’s Expanding Control in West Bank: 85 Nations Issue Joint Statement

Jakarta – A coalition of 85 nations has condemned Israel’s escalating control over the occupied West Bank, voicing strong opposition to actions perceived as a move towards de facto annexation. The joint statement, released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, criticizes unilateral Israeli decisions aimed at expanding its presence in the territory.

“We strongly condemn the decisions and actions of Israel aimed at expanding its illegal presence in the West Bank,” the statement read. “These decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed.” The nations further underscored their “firm opposition to any form of annexation.”

The condemnation follows a recent decision by the Israeli security cabinet to approve a series of measures intended to tighten control over the West Bank, a region administered by the Palestinian Authority under agreements dating back to the 1990s. These measures, supported by right-wing ministers within the Israeli government, have drawn widespread international concern.

Further fueling the controversy, the Israeli government on Sunday approved a process to register land in the West Bank as “state property.” This move, intended to “resolve legal disputes” according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been widely denounced as a step towards solidifying Israeli control and altering the demographic landscape of the occupied territory.

The Palestinian presidency swiftly condemned the land registration process as a “grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law,” characterizing it as “de facto annexation.” Palestinian officials have called for immediate intervention from the international community, specifically urging the United States and the United Nations to take action.

Hamas, the militant group controlling the Gaza Strip, also denounced the move, accusing Israel of attempting to “steal and Judaize lands in the occupied West Bank by registering them as so-called ‘state lands.’”

The joint statement at the UN was issued on behalf of 85 member states, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, as well as international organizations such as the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This broad coalition underscores the international community’s growing concern over the situation in the West Bank.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called on Israel to reverse its land registration policies, describing them as “disturbing” and “in violation of international law.”

The current situation sees over 500,000 Israeli citizens residing in settlements and outposts in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in a move not recognized internationally. These settlements are considered illegal under international law. Approximately three million Palestinians also reside in the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

The Israeli government maintains that the land registration process is necessary to clarify property rights and resolve legal disputes, particularly in areas where land records are incomplete or contested. However, critics argue that the move is a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize the expansion of Israeli settlements and further entrench its control over the West Bank.

The decision to revive the “settlement of land title” processes, which had been frozen since 1967, raises concerns about the future of Palestinian land ownership and the viability of a two-state solution. The international community has consistently warned that continued settlement expansion undermines the prospects for a lasting peace agreement.

The recent escalation in tensions comes amid a broader context of political instability and violence in the region. The West Bank has witnessed a surge in clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in recent months, with numerous injuries and fatalities reported on both sides. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

The international condemnation of Israel’s actions reflects a growing frustration with the lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 85 nations signing the statement are signaling their commitment to upholding international law and preserving the possibility of a future Palestinian state.

The implications of Israel’s actions extend beyond the immediate region. The international community is increasingly concerned that the continued expansion of settlements and the erosion of Palestinian rights will further destabilize the Middle East and exacerbate existing tensions. The situation also raises questions about the credibility of international institutions and the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.