In a remarkable development that deepens the complexities of the political and security landscape in the region, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a package of new measures aimed at tightening Israeli control over the occupied West Bank and facilitating land purchases and registrations for settlers, a move that has provoked angry reactions from the Palestinian side.

In detailing the decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that these moves are in line with his government's security vision, noting that the idea of ​​establishing a Palestinian state represents an existential "security threat" to Israel, especially given the electoral challenges he faces later this year. For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz defended the decision, considering the transfer of land registration authority in the West Bank a "necessary security measure." The Security Cabinet, in its official statement, justified this step as a direct and appropriate response to what it described as "illegal land registration operations" promoted by the Palestinian Authority in Area C.

On the other hand, the decision was met with categorical rejection from the Palestinian Presidency, which stated that these measures constitute a "de facto annexation" of the occupied Palestinian territories, and an explicit declaration of the start of implementing plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through the expansion of illegal settlements, thus undermining any remaining opportunities to achieve peace based on the two-state solution.

The context of the conflict on land in the West Bank

This Israeli move comes within the context of a long history of conflict over land since the occupation of the West Bank in 1967. The issue of land registration is of paramount strategic importance, as vast areas of the West Bank, specifically Area C as defined by the Oslo Accords, are under full Israeli security and administrative control. Successive Israeli governments have consistently sought to bolster settlement activity in these areas, which constitute approximately 60% of the West Bank and are considered the strategic reserve of a future Palestinian state.

Political and legal repercussions

Observers and political analysts believe that allowing settlers to register their land represents a dangerous shift in the legal status of the West Bank, transferring authority from the military administration to civilian procedures similar to those applied within Israel—a process known as "creeping annexation." This shift not only threatens the territorial contiguity of any future Palestinian state but also presents the international community with new legal challenges regarding violations of international law and UN Security Council resolutions that deem settlements illegal.

This decision is expected to increase tensions on the ground, as Palestinians fear that these concessions will lead to the confiscation of more private and public lands, thus closing the door permanently to the political process and pushing the region towards further escalation and confrontation.

In a move reflecting the deep fraternal and strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Saudi Fund for Development contributed to financing a vital project to expand and modernize Prince Faisal Hospital, with a total value of approximately US$14 million. The project site witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony attended by high-level dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Jaafar bin Abdul Fattah Hassan, and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Mr. Sultan bin Abdul Rahman Al-Murshid, along with a number of officials from both sides.

This ambitious project aims to revolutionize medical services for the beneficiary communities. It focuses on the complete renovation and modernization of the existing hospital building, as well as the construction of a new four-story extension. Spanning a total area exceeding 8,000 square meters, the project will provide ample space to accommodate the new medical departments and specialized clinics needed by the area's residents.

From a technical and operational standpoint, the project directly contributes to increasing the hospital's capacity, thereby reducing waiting times and enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare services provided to citizens. The engineering plan also includes the construction of a helipad dedicated to rapid medical response and air medical evacuation, and the development of medical infrastructure according to the latest international engineering and technical standards, in order to keep pace with increasing population growth and meet the growing basic needs in the healthcare sector.

This support comes within a long history of development cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan, with the Saudi Fund for Development being a key partner in supporting infrastructure projects in Jordan for decades. This support is not limited to the health sector alone, but extends to the education, energy, water, and roads sectors, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting sustainable development in brotherly and friendly nations.

This expansion is particularly important given the location of Prince Faisal Hospital, which serves a large segment of the population in a densely populated area. The project is expected to have a tangible positive social and economic impact by improving public health indicators, providing a comprehensive and safe treatment environment, and creating new job opportunities during the construction and operation phases. This will enhance the stability of the healthcare system in Jordan and support its future plans.