Israel’s government announced new land rules in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. These rules allow Israeli Jews to buy property more easily in the territory. Palestinians fear this move signals a de facto annexation. The government also ordered that West Bank land registries be opened to the public. This could put Palestinian landowners under pressure. The Israeli cabinet decided that building permits for illegal settlements in Hebron and at the Ibrahimi Mosque compound will now be controlled by Israel, not the Palestinian Hebron municipality. Moataz Abu Sneina, director of the Ibrahimi Mosque, said, “What is happening today is the most serious development since 1967.” He views these decisions with “grave concern” for Hebron’s Old City and the mosque, a key religious site for Muslims and Jews. The mosque, also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs by Jews, has long been a flashpoint. Israeli settlers, although few in number, have taken over parts of Hebron’s centre, guarded by the Israeli military. Abu Sneina said Israel’s policies have tightened since the deadly 1994 massacre at the mosque, including restrictions on worshippers and control over access. Mohannad al-Jaabari from the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee said Israel is increasing its presence to control the city. He pointed to seized Palestinian shops, new illegal settlement buildings, and changes to water supplies creating “a massive apartheid system.” He warned Israel aims to make a Jewish quarter linking settlements to the mosque by pushing Palestinians out. Experts warn these steps could spread to other West Bank cities. Palestinian analyst Nabil Faraj called the moves “dangerous” and said they “drive the final nail into the coffin of the peace process.” In Bethlehem, the Israeli government will take over cleaning and maintenance of the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque, also known as Rachel’s Tomb. Local Palestinian Bassam Abu Srour said this “will affect the living and the dead” by restricting access to the Islamic cemetery. Palestinians feel powerless against this creeping annexation. Hebron shop owner Mamdouh al-Natsheh said, “The city is being taken from its people step by step.” He fears a day when Israeli permits will decide if Palestinians can stay. “In Hebron, a house is not just walls – it is history and identity.”