Jerusalem: Israel has advanced 153 plans for illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the beginning of 2026, targeting the construction of more than 18,000 housing units, a Palestinian government body said Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported a notable increase in planning activity focused on expanding settlements. The commission noted that Israeli authorities have progressed with 100 plans aimed at constructing 12,300 housing units across the West Bank from the start of the year until September 13.

Additionally, 53 plans are targeting the development of 5,783 housing units in occupied East Jerusalem, within the boundaries defined by the Israeli municipality, the commission stated. In September alone, Israeli authorities advanced 12 new plans for 2,340 housing units, covering a total area of 1,761 dunams.

The commission's earlier report highlighted that Israeli planning bodies had reviewed 524 structural plans for illegal settlements between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2026. Since taking office in late 2022, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accelerated the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, approving the establishment of 104 new illegal settlements.

Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967. Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law.