Hamas has strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft laws aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank and imposing so-called Israeli sovereignty over the illegal Ma’ale Adumim settlement, describing the move as “an open declaration of colonial occupation.”

In a press statement released on Wednesday, Hamas said the Knesset’s decision “exposes the ugly face of Zionist colonialism” and reaffirms the occupation’s determination to continue its expansionist project at the expense of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and sovereignty.

“The Israeli occupation persists in its attempts to legalize settlement expansion and impose its control over Palestinian land in flagrant violation of all international laws and resolutions,” the statement read.

Hamas emphasized that the aggressive push to annex the West Bank is null and void, as it directly contravenes international law, including the International Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion that reaffirmed the occupied status of Palestinian territories. “No law or vote in the Knesset can erase the historical and legal reality that the West Bank belongs to the Palestinian people,” Hamas asserted.

The Movement held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the repercussions of these illegal actions, warning that the annexation attempts would only escalate tension and resistance across the occupied territories. Hamas also called on the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take a clear and firm stance against the legislation and hold Israel accountable for its ongoing war crimes and violations of international norms.

The Knesset’s vote on Wednesday marked a new stage in Israel’s annexation agenda. Lawmakers advanced two bills — one introduced by far-right MK Avi Maoz of the extremist Noam party, seeking to impose Israeli sovereignty over the entire West Bank, and another submitted by Avigdor Lieberman targeting the Ma’ale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem.

According to reports, 32 members supported Lieberman’s bill, while only 9 opposed it. The broader annexation measure, pushed by Maoz, received 25 votes in favor and 24 against. Several members of Netanyahu’s Likud party, as well as Shas and Kahol Lavan, were absent during the vote — signaling internal divisions within the coalition government.

Arab parties and left-wing members of the Democratic Party voted firmly against the bills, while members of Yesh Atid abstained, a move widely criticized by Palestinian officials as tacit complicity in the annexation drive.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought to delay the vote following international pressure, the extremist bloc within his government insisted on proceeding, disregarding warnings from the United Nations and regional partners.

Political observers and Palestinian leaders have described the move as a “dangerous escalation” that entrenches apartheid and colonial domination over Palestinian lands. If fully enacted, the bills would formalize Israel’s de facto annexation policy and accelerate the displacement of Palestinian communities.

The Knesset’s decision follows a 2023 declaration calling for imposing “Israeli sovereignty” over the West Bank, which, though symbolic at the time, paved the way for the current legislative push.

“The Zionist occupation has revealed once again that it does not recognize peace, coexistence, or international legitimacy,” Hamas said. “It only understands the language of power and resistance. Our people will continue to stand firm, defend their land, and confront this colonial aggression with steadfastness and unity.” (ILKHA)