Israel conducting ‘gradual de facto annexation’ of West Bank — UN official

A top UN official says that steps by Israel to tighten control of areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority amount to “gradual de facto annexation.”

Since last week, Israel has approved a series of initiatives backed by far-right ministers to consolidate control over the West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited autonomy under past deals.

“We are witnessing the gradual de facto annexation of the West Bank, as unilateral Israeli steps steadily transform the landscape,” UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo tells a meeting of the Security Council on the Palestinian question.

“If implemented, these measures will constitute a dangerous expansion of Israeli civil authority in the occupied West Bank, including in sensitive areas like Hebron.

“The moves could lead to settlement expansion by removing bureaucratic barriers and easing land purchases and building permits.”

The recently approved steps are set to increase Israel’s control in parts of the West Bank where the Palestinian Authority currently exercises power.