In the last two years Israel has erected nearly 1,000 barriers in the occupied West Bank, restricting movement for Palestinians and severely hindering their lives, a local government body said.

The brother of the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh shot dead by the Israeli army three years ago alleges that new revelations from an American military officer who investigated her killing reveals a US cover-up.

The vote by Israel's parliament, the Knesset, came with Vice President JD Vance visiting Israel to shore up the Gaza ceasefire that was brokered by Mr. Trump's administration. The president has made clear he would not back annexation of the West Bank.

Vice President JD Vance said a Knesset vote was an "insult." Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later Thursday.

An investigation from CBC's the fifth estate follows the trail of millions of dollars in tax-deductible donations sent through Canadian charities to support Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Vice President Vance says he was insulted by Israeli lawmakers' "very stupid political stunt" with a vote on West Bank annexation.

Israel's Knesset, in a preliminary vote, approved sovereignty in the West Bank, described as a political ploy by right-wing opposition during JD Vance's visit.

Foreign volunteers and peace activists arrived at the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya on Tuesday to help farmers harvest olives and to protect them from settlers attacks.