Jerusalem: Israeli authorities have approved a major illegal settlement expansion plan in the occupied West Bank's Jordan Valley through the construction of hundreds of new settlement units on Palestinian land, a Palestinian government body said Thursday. The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission stated that Israeli authorities have sanctioned 'a massive colonial structural plan' for expanding the Masua settlement on Palestinian land in the Al-Far'a Valley, situated in the Jericho governorate. This plan is part of Israel's accelerating settlement expansion policies targeting the Palestinian Jordan Valley.
According to Anadolu Agency, the project involves the construction of 517 new settlement units over an area of 1,692 dunams (418 acres), representing 'a major expansion' of the settlement's colonial infrastructure at the expense of Palestinian land. The project also includes public institutions, infrastructure networks, roads, service areas, open spaces, and operational facilities. The commission described this as 'a clear Israeli direction' toward transforming the settlement into 'an integrated colonial bloc capable of future expansion.'
The commission explained that the plan is part of a systematic Israeli policy aimed at consolidating control over the Jordan Valley and isolating the area 'demographically and geographically' through settlement expansion, land seizure, and restrictions on Palestinian natural growth. It warned that settlement roads and infrastructure projects are among the most dangerous tools of 'creeping annexation' and the imposition of new realities on the ground.
The commission also cautioned against escalating settlement activity in the Jordan Valley and urged the international community to assume its legal and political responsibilities regarding Israeli violations. According to commission data through March 30, more than 542 illegal settlements and outposts have been established across the occupied West Bank, housing over 780,000 Israeli occupiers. These include 192 illegal settlements and 350 outposts, with more than 165 established since October 2023 and 59 during 2025 alone.
Additionally, the commission noted that Israeli planning authorities have reviewed 390 structural plans benefiting settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since Oct. 7, 2023, alongside decisions to establish illegal settlements at 54 different locations.