UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed severe concerns over the Israeli government's recent decisions to assert authority over lands in the West Bank, labeling them as illegal and in violation of international law. This statement follows Israel's historical move to approve a resolution enabling the seizure of vast Palestinian territories by designating them as 'state property'. Dujarric highlighted the implications of these actions, not only in terms of legality but also concerning their potential to exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The decision by Israel represents a significant escalation in its policy towards the West Bank, and organizations such as Hamas have vehemently criticized it, viewing it as an attempt to forcibly alter facts on the ground through illegal annexation strategies. They describe the action as a form of land theft from the Palestinians, further intensifying tensions in an already volatile region. In this context, the UN's declaration emphasizes the need for adherence to international norms amid rising tensions and humanitarian crises.

Dujarric stressed the UN's commitment to addressing this issue publicly and in dialogues with other states, underlining that these actions are detrimental not just to the Palestinians' territorial rights but also undermine the prospects for peace and stability in the broader region. As the international community closely watches these developments, the stakes become higher, necessitating urgent responses to prevent further deterioration of the situation in both the West Bank and Gaza.