Israel will start a new land registration process in the occupied West Bank, a move seen as highly controversial. This process will cover large parts of Area C, the 60% portion of the West Bank under full Israeli military control. Israeli group Peace Now called this a “mega land grab” from Palestinians. The registration force residents to prove land ownership with documents. If claims are not proven, lands may revert to Israeli state control. "This move is very dramatic and allows the state to gain control of almost all of Area C," said Hagit Ofran, director of Peace Now’s Settlement Watch. The Palestinian Authority was accused by Israel’s Foreign Ministry of conducting illegal land registrations in Area C. Israel said the new process aims to increase transparency. The plan, first announced last May, was approved recently in a Cabinet meeting. Ofran warned the process could be tough and unfair for Palestinians to prove ownership, possibly transferring 83% of Area C, about half the West Bank, to Israel. The process might start this year. Palestinians cannot sell land privately to Israelis, though recent changes aim to change this. Settlers already buy homes on government-controlled land. The decision also includes stricter Israeli enforcement on environmental and archaeological issues in some Palestinian areas. Jordan criticized Israel’s move, asking the international community to stop this “dangerous escalation.” Around 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C, with many relying on its land for farming and grazing, holding old land deeds and tax documents.