Palestinians condemn Israeli recognition of new West Bank settlements

The Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry criticized Israel's recent decision to recognize more than a dozen new settlements in the West Bank. This decision upgraded existing neighborhoods to status as independent settlements. The Ministry described the move as showing a lack of respect for international law and its resolutions. Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced the decision and called it an important step for Israeli settlements. He supports the idea of formally annexing the West Bank, similar to Israel's actions in east Jerusalem, which most of the world does not recognize. Smotrich stated that recognizing these neighborhoods would help their development and described the initiative as a "revolution." Hamas condemned Smotrich's remarks, arguing that the settlements reflect a racist agenda. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also pointed to ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank, claiming they are linked to increased land confiscations from Palestinians. The 13 new settlement neighborhoods are spread across the West Bank. Some are part of larger settlements while others stand alone. Their recognition under Israeli law is not finalized. An Israeli NGO, Peace Now, criticized the decision, saying it jeopardizes hopes for a peaceful two-state solution. In contrast, the Yesha Council, representing West Bank settlements, welcomed the decision and thanked Smotrich. It highlights the growing push for settlement expansion, which has reached record levels, according to EU figures from 2023.