Palestinian recognition welcomed in West Bank despite fears of Israeli annexation

West Bank under expanding military oversight

Abdel Aziz Majarmeh was retrieving family documents from his home near the entrance to Jenin refugee camp when Israeli forces shot his 13-year-old son, Islam.

"My son collapsed, and I heard a gunshot," he said. "Soldiers ordered me away, so I began dragging him out. I didn’t know he was dead until later."

Jenin has been under Israeli military occupation since January after raids intended to dismantle armed groups. The camp’s residents complain of demolitions and daily patrols, with snipers positioned on surrounding rooftops.

Israel’s army said it fired to neutralize suspected threats and is reviewing the incident. It has not specified what danger the teenager posed.

Under the Oslo Accords, Jenin was meant to become part of a future Palestinian state, but instead has seen recurring demolitions, displacements and checkpoints that cripple daily life.

State recognition despite growing fears of annexation

Earlier this month, the UK and France announced they will formally recognize a Palestinian state, joining over 140 other nations. Palestinian officials say this step underscores their right to self-determination, even as Israeli settlements and military zones expand.

"Recognition confirms that Palestine exists as a state, despite occupation," said Mohammed Jarrar, Jenin’s mayor. "It will press the international community to defend our rights."

In parts of the northern West Bank, settlers have established illegal outposts close to Palestinian homes, often without intervention from the Israeli army. Ayman Soufan, whose family home near Burin has been attacked multiple times, says he feels unprotected.

"They threaten us daily," he said. "When we call the authorities, they promise help that never arrives. In practice, the settlers act with impunity."

Settlement growth has accelerated under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has refused to endorse a Palestinian state and has publicly rejected two-state solutions.

"Palestine was never theirs and will never be theirs," said Abdel Aziz Majarmeh. "One day, they will leave, and Palestine will be free."

Despite growing international recognition, West Bank Palestinians face expanding Israeli control through military operations and settlement expansion, highlighting the gap between diplomatic gestures and realities on the ground.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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