De Facto

De facto annexation occurs when a state does not formally assert sovereignty over occupied territory but acts as though it has been annexed and belongs to it. It does so by exercising powers over civilian affairs, applying legislation and administrative arrangements, transferring the administration of civilian life to its own civilian bodies, and integrating the territory into its systems of government, economy and infrastructure. These measures transform temporary occupation governed by the laws of occupation into permanent rule, even without a formal decision to annex the territory.