Jerusalem: The Israeli government has announced a plan to construct 2,339 settlement units in the occupied West Bank, a report revealed. This plan involves the development of 1,352 units in Qalqilya in the northern West Bank, alongside 430 units in two existing settlements northeast of Ramallah and northwest of Jerusalem, as detailed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s National Bureau for Defending Land.
According to Anadolu Agency, an additional 407 settlement units are set to be constructed in Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, with 150 more planned for areas west of Ramallah. The bureau has expressed concerns that this initiative seeks to establish geographical continuity between Jewish settlements in Qalqilya, potentially resulting in the isolation of Palestinian villages into enclaves surrounded by settlements.
The report highlights a strategic alignment between far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who advocates for settlement expansion, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who is accused of providing protection for illegal settlers and their activities. On Thursday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced the creation of a police unit made up of illegal settlers, which is perceived as a move to further Israel's annexation efforts in the occupied West Bank.
Palestinian statistics indicate that there are approximately 770,000 illegal settlers residing in 180 settlements and 256 outposts within the occupied West Bank. The international community, including the UN, regards these settlements as illegal under international law, cautioning that continued expansion jeopardizes the viability of a two-state solution-a framework considered essential for resolving the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Palestinian authorities have documented at least 2,153 attacks by illegal settlers in the occupied territory during the first half of the year, resulting in the deaths of four Palestinians. Since the beginning of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, at least 998 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports.
Last July, the International Court of Justice issued a significant opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, calling for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.