Palestine presses Philippines for action after Israel expands West Bank controlA woman mourns over the body of Saeed Nael al-Sheikh, a 24-year-old Palestinian who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces, during his funeral in the city of Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on February 4, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Palestine's ambassador to the Philippines is calling on Manila to impose sanctions — including possible trade boycotts — against Israel after it recently gave itself more power to tighten control over the West Bank. Israel has long maintained broad control over the West Bank, but the newly approved plan would make it easier for Jewish settlers to purchase land in the area. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who championed the measures, said they would "fundamentally change the legal and civil reality" in the West Bank. His office said Israel would "continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state."

Source: Philippine Star February 10, 2026 11:44 UTC