Israel pursuing 'undeclared annexation' of West Bank, Peace Now says

Key facts

• Peace Now accuses Israel of pursuing undeclared annexation of the West Bank.
• Measures cited include settlement expansion and weakening the Palestinian Authority.
• Israel is reportedly holding the bodies of approximately 1,700 Palestinians.
• The policy of holding bodies is intended for potential future exchange deals.
• There are no Israeli captives currently held by Hamas.
• Colombia's government has recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
• President Abelardo de la Espriella leads Colombia's government.
• Israeli forces conducted raids in the occupied West Bank.
• During raids, Israeli forces destroyed water pipelines and seized land.
• Settlers set fire to agricultural land and besieged a Palestinian home.

The Israeli government is accused by the advocacy group Peace Now of pursuing "undeclared annexation" of the West Bank. Peace Now states that measures such as expanding settlements and weakening the Palestinian Authority are undermining the Oslo Accords. This policy direction is seen as a move towards de facto annexation.

In parallel, Israel is reportedly holding the bodies of approximately 1,700 Palestinians. This number has reportedly increased during recent high-level discussions. Israeli law permits the holding of bodies for potential future exchange deals, a policy that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and legal experts. Currently, there are no Israeli captives being held by Hamas.

In a significant policy shift, Colombia's new government, led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, has recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The government cited the territory's importance to Israel's national defense amidst regional instability as justification for this decision.

Furthermore, Israeli forces have conducted multiple raids across the occupied West Bank. During these operations, forces opened fire, destroyed water pipelines designated for a military road, and seized land. In addition to military actions, settlers have also been involved in attacks, setting fire to agricultural land and besieging a Palestinian family's home.