Israel is escalating the confiscation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, carrying out what is described as the largest land grab since the Oslo Accords were signed more than three decades ago. The Israeli government, under its current right-wing leadership, has accelerated the seizure of Palestinian territories to construct new settlements, a practice deemed illegal under international law. This expansion occurs alongside an increase in the frequency and intensity of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The construction of these settlements and associated infrastructure projects, such as roads and security barriers, fragments Palestinian territories and restricts the movement of Palestinians. Xavier Abu Eid, a political analyst and former adviser to the PLO negotiation team, stated that these actions undermine the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state. "For many Palestinians, this means all hopes of peace are dashed and, with them, the prospects of an independent state," he said.

The international community largely views these settlements as a violation of international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its population into occupied territory. Resolution 2334, passed by the UN Security Council in 2016, reaffirmed that the establishment of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.

Daniel Levy, president of the USMiddle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator, highlighted the impact of these policies on the prospects for a two-state solution. He argued that the continued expansion of settlements makes it increasingly difficult to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel, a solution long advocated by many international actors.

The Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s, were intended to pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution. However, the ongoing settlement expansion has been a major obstacle to achieving this goal. The current Israeli government's policies have further strained relations with the Palestinian Authority and raised concerns among international observers about the long-term viability of the peace process.

The implications of Israel's policies extend beyond the immediate impact on Palestinians. The expansion of settlements and the associated violence contribute to regional instability and fuel tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The international community continues to call for a halt to settlement construction and a renewed effort to achieve a just and lasting peace based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. The future of the peace process remains uncertain as settlement activity continues and tensions persist in the region.