Ramallah: Israel has reportedly targeted more than 29,000 dunums of Palestinian land through "state land" declarations since 7 October 2023, marking a significant increase in land seizures since the Oslo Accords.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission stated that between 7 October 2023 and 18 August 2026, Israeli occupation authorities aimed to reclassify approximately 29,335 dunums of land as "State Land". This action, viewed as one of the most extensive waves of land appropriation in recent years, follows Declaration No. HC/04/26, dated 18 August 2026, which targets around 1,152 dunums in Sinjil, Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, and Qaryut. The move is intended to aid the expansion of the Israeli colony of Karmei Oz and connect it with the Shilo colonial bloc.
The Commission identified that land across the governorates of Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Qalqiliya, and Salfit has been affected. The declarations are part of a broader policy to expand colonies, legalize outposts, connect colonial blocs, and secure control over strategic areas in the West Bank.
In 2024, there was a notable escalation with eight declarations affecting approximately 24,597 dunums. Key declarations included land in Al-Eizariya and Abu Dis to link Ma'ale Adumim and Kedar, and extensive areas east of Aqraba. In 2025, about 1,925 dunums were targeted, including land to legalize the Havat Gilad outpost. From early 2026 to mid-August, around 2,312 dunums were targeted, with significant projects in Kafr Thulth, Deir Istiya, and Bidya.
The Commission explained that these "State Land" designations allow the Israeli Custodian of Government Property to incorporate land into colonial jurisdiction, facilitating planning and infrastructure development for colonists. The spatial analysis shows efforts to create continuity between colonies, legalize outposts, and control corridors connecting Palestinian communities.
The CWRC emphasized that since 7 October, "State Land" declarations have become integral to Israel's annexation strategy. It accused the Israeli government of using the ongoing conflict to change the legal and geographical landscape of Palestinian territories, solidifying colonies with official backing.
The Commission reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, lacks sovereignty over Palestinian territories. It condemned the use of military orders to reclassify land for colonists, labeling it a violation of international law and resolutions against Israeli colonization.