Israel moves to register West Bank land as state property; Gaza strikes kill 12

The proposal, submitted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defense Minister Israel Katz, focuses on Area C — which makes up about 61% of the West Bank and remains under full Israeli control under the 1995 Oslo II Accord. Israeli media reported the plan aims to gradually settle 15% of Area C by 2030.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as “de-facto annexation,” accusing Israel of accelerating settlement expansion and entrenching occupation. Under the decision, Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) will oversee land registration in Area C, preventing Palestinian authorities from doing so.

The move forms part of a broader package of measures approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet to expand settlement construction and shift planning authority in key areas of the West Bank.

Türkiye condemned the decision

Türkiye also condemned the decision, calling it a violation of international law and warning it undermines prospects for a two-state solution.

The development comes amid heightened tensions since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of settlements.

Israel strikes in Gaza killed 12

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 12 people on Sunday, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency, despite an ongoing cease-fire. Airstrikes reportedly hit tents sheltering displaced people in Jabalia and Khan Younis.

Israel said it acted in response to cease-fire violations by Hamas, accusing armed fighters of approaching Israeli troops. Hamas denied the claim and accused Israel of targeting civilians.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 600 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, while Israel reports four of its soldiers have died in the same period. Casualty figures cannot be independently verified due to media restrictions.

International medical charity Doctors Without Borders said it suspended non-critical work at Nasser Hospital over security concerns, as tensions continue to strain the fragile cease-fire.