The Palestinian government has condemned an Israeli bill to apply domestic law to parts of the occupied West Bank, calling the move illegal under international law and a threat to Palestinian sovereignty.
The State of Palestine said on Thursday that Israel holds no legal sovereignty over any part of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza, which it described as “an indivisible geographical whole.”
The remarks came in response to a bill passed in preliminary reading by the Israeli Knesset on 22 October, which seeks to extend Israeli law to areas of the West Bank — a step many see as de facto annexation. The measure passed by a narrow 25–24 margin and must clear three more readings before becoming law.
Palestinian officials said the proposal violates international law and United Nations resolutions, citing the 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which reaffirmed the territories' occupied status and stated that Israeli law could not be applied there.
The Palestinian government urged international actors to reject the Knesset decision and form a coalition to oppose what it called “a policy of racial discrimination.” It warned that any unilateral Israeli action would be null and void and would not alter the legal status of the territories.
The statement also referenced the New York Declaration — adopted unanimously by UN member states — as grounds for opposing Israel’s settlement expansion and annexation.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns, saying: “Don’t worry about the West Bank … Israel is not going to do anything with the West Bank.” Speaking during a visit to Israel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance called the Knesset vote “a very stupid political stunt” and reaffirmed that the U.S. opposes any annexation of the territory.
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Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel’s military says it has launched a wide‑scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in western Iran amid the intensifying U.S.‑Israeli war with Tehran. This live report tracks the latest developments.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued veiled threats to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah on Thursday (12 March), during his first press conference since the conflict with Iran began.
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North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Kazakhstan is holding a nationwide referendum on a new draft Constitution on Sunday (15 March) that could significantly reshape the country’s political system. Polling stations have opened across the country, with nearly 12.5 million people eligible to take part.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign of ending on Sunday ( 15 March).
Israel’s military says it has launched a wide‑scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in western Iran amid the intensifying U.S.‑Israeli war with Tehran. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Two Indian-flagged tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying 92,700 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are en route to India despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday (14 March).
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already living in fragile shelters amid the ongoing conflict, according to local reports.
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