More than 80 United Nations member states strongly condemned Israel’s plan to expand its control over the occupied West Bank. They said Israel’s move to claim large parts of Palestinian land as “state property” is illegal. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, spoke for 85 countries and several international groups. He said, “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank.” Mansour added, “Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed. We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation.” He also said, “We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.” This joint statement includes countries like Australia, Canada, China, France, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the UAE, the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The statement comes after Israel announced it will start land registration in Area C of the West Bank—the first time since its occupation began in 1967. Area C makes up about 60 percent of the West Bank, according to the group Peace Now. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that this plan could force Palestinians off their land and increase Israeli control. He called the move “destabilising” and unlawful, referencing a 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that said Israel’s occupation of West Bank and Gaza is illegal and must end. The ICJ stated, “Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law.” It estimates some 465,000 Israeli settlers live in about 300 illegal settlements. In separate tragic news, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was killed, and two others aged 12 and 14 were seriously injured in the West Bank’s Jordan Valley by leftover ammunition from the Israeli military, reported Palestinian Wafa news agency. The injured children are now in hospital.