Egypt Condemns Israeli Land Seizure as Regional Tensions Rise
In a strong display of regional solidarity, Egypt's Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's latest land registration measures in the occupied West Bank as a "flagrant violation" of international law, warning that such actions escalate tensions across Palestinian territories and the broader region.
The Egyptian condemnation comes as prosecutors move to charge Israeli settler Yinon Levi in the killing of Palestinian Awdah Hathaleen, whose death gained international attention due to his involvement in the 2025 Oscar-winning film "No Other Land."
Egypt Leads Regional Opposition
Egypt's Foreign Ministry statement reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights and regional stability. The ministry warned that Israel's new land registration process represents an attempt to impose a "new legal and administrative reality" that undermines peace prospects.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry echoed Egypt's concerns, demonstrating the unified Arab stance against Israeli territorial expansion. This regional consensus highlights Egypt's leadership role in defending Palestinian sovereignty and international law.
Rare Legal Action Against Settler Violence
Israeli prosecutors have initiated proceedings to indict Levi for reckless homicide in Hathaleen's death, marking an unusual case of legal accountability for settler violence. The confrontation was captured on video from multiple angles, providing clear evidence of the incident.
"Enforcement of the law in cases like this involving Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is very rare, so this is unique," said Eitan Peleg, an attorney for Hathaleen's family.
Escalating Violence in Occupied Territories
Since October 2023, settler attacks and home demolitions have increased dramatically. The Palestinian death toll in the West Bank has exceeded 1,000, including more than 213 children and 20 women. In Gaza, over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 171,715 wounded.
More than 3.4 million Palestinians and 700,000 Israelis live in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967. The international community considers all Israeli settlement construction illegal under international law.
Film Brings Global Attention
Hathaleen's involvement in "No Other Land," which chronicles Palestinian villagers' struggle to remain on their ancestral lands, brought international spotlight to the ongoing displacement. Film director Hamdan Ballal reported that attacks on his village have intensified since winning the Oscar.
"The year after I won the Oscar, the assaults increased significantly. Daily, settlers come and destroy the fields, destroy the trees, destroy the crops," Ballal said.
Land Registration Controversy
Israel's resumption of the land registration process requires Palestinians to submit ownership documents for land they have inhabited for generations. Rights groups warn this could strip Palestinians of ancestral lands and transfer vast territories to Israeli state control.
The measures follow years of systematic campaigns involving violence, harassment, and demolitions that have displaced Palestinian families from their homes.
Egypt's strong condemnation reflects the nation's historic commitment to Palestinian rights and regional stability, positioning Cairo as a key voice for justice in the Middle East conflict.