Ramallah, Cisjordanie – The Hamas movement has welcomed a joint statement issued by nearly 20 countries condemning recent Israeli measures expanding control over the occupied West Bank, and is now calling on those nations – and the international community at large – to impose “dissuasive sanctions” against the Israeli government. The call for sanctions comes amid escalating tensions and a marked increase in settlement activity, raising concerns about the viability of a two-state solution.
The international condemnation, released on Monday, February 23, 2026, sharply criticized Israel’s actions as a “manifest strategy aimed at modifying the situation on the ground and pursuing an unacceptable de facto annexation.” The statement, signed by nations including Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, underscored that these actions represent a “deliberate and direct attack against the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of a two-state solution.” The countries urged Israel to “immediately reverse these decisions” and “respect its international obligations.”
Israel’s Expanding Control in the West Bank
The recent measures prompting international outcry involve a series of steps taken by Israel earlier in February to tighten its grip on the West Bank, territory it has occupied since the 1967 Six-Day War. These actions extend Israeli control not only to areas previously administered by the Palestinian Authority (PA) under the Oslo Accords – agreements signed in the 1990s that are now largely considered moribund – but as well involve the construction of new barriers and restrictions on movement. A recent example, highlighted by Reuters, is a newly erected earth barrier at the main entrance to Luban e-Sharkiya, between Nablus and Ramallah, erected on February 16, 2026.
The Oslo Accords, intended as a framework for a final peace agreement, divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C. Area A is under full Palestinian control, Area B under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control, and Area C – comprising roughly 60% of the West Bank – is under full Israeli control. Israel’s recent actions are increasingly encroaching on Areas A and B, further diminishing Palestinian autonomy and control over their own territories. The expansion of control is occurring alongside a significant increase in settlement construction, a practice deemed illegal under international law by the United Nations.
Hamas Calls for International Pressure
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, views the international statement as “a step in the right direction to confront the expansionist plans of the occupation,” which it asserts openly violate international law and UN resolutions. The movement’s statement, reported by Le Parisien, explicitly calls for “dissuasive sanctions” and increased pressure on the Israeli government to halt policies aimed at annexation, colonization, and forced displacement of Palestinians. The use of the term “fascist” to describe the Israeli government reflects the deeply antagonistic relationship between the two entities.
The call for sanctions is not a new one. Palestinian officials and international human rights organizations have long advocated for punitive measures against Israel to compel compliance with international law and to halt the ongoing expansion of settlements. Though, implementing effective sanctions has proven challenging due to political divisions and the strong strategic alliance between Israel and several Western nations, particularly the United States. The United States, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has repeatedly vetoed resolutions critical of Israel.
Settlement Expansion and the Two-State Solution
The intensification of settlement activity has been particularly pronounced under the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, widely considered one of the most right-wing in Israel’s history. This acceleration has been especially noticeable since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023. According to UN data, over half a million Israelis now live in settlements in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in 1967 – a move not recognized internationally. These settlements are built amidst a Palestinian population of approximately three million.
The continued expansion of settlements is widely seen as a major obstacle to achieving a viable two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The settlements fragment Palestinian territory, making it increasingly hard to establish a contiguous and sovereign state. Critics argue that Israel’s policies are effectively predetermining the outcome of any future negotiations, rendering a two-state solution increasingly unattainable.
The Oslo Accords: A Diminishing Framework
The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, were intended to provide a transitional framework for a final peace agreement. However, the peace process stalled in the early 2000s, and the accords have largely been eroded by Israeli settlement expansion and unilateral actions. The Palestinian Authority, established as a result of the Oslo Accords, now exercises limited control over parts of the West Bank, while Israel maintains overall security control. The current Israeli government has shown little interest in reviving the Oslo process or engaging in meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians.
International Response and Future Prospects
The recent joint statement from nearly 20 countries represents a significant, though largely symbolic, expression of international concern. Whether this condemnation will translate into concrete action, such as the imposition of sanctions, remains to be seen. The effectiveness of any sanctions regime would depend on broad international cooperation and a willingness to overcome political obstacles.
The situation in the West Bank remains highly volatile, with frequent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents. The expansion of settlements, coupled with restrictions on movement and economic opportunities, is fueling resentment and despair among Palestinians. Without a renewed commitment to a just and lasting peace, the prospects for stability and security in the region remain bleak. The next key development to watch will be the Israeli government’s response to the international condemnation and whether it will heed calls to reverse its recent policies. Further escalation of tensions could lead to a wider conflict, with potentially devastating consequences.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with the United Nations playing a key role in documenting violations of international law and advocating for a peaceful resolution. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 is expected to release a report in March 2026 detailing the impact of Israeli policies on Palestinian civilians.
Here’s a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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