Israel plans to build over 1,000 new illegal settler units in occupied West Bank, Palestinian agency warns

A Palestinian anti-settlement group says Israel is moving forward with plans for new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, which include the development of 1,024 settler units on over 1,069 dunams (1,264.2 acres) of Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission stated on Friday that Israeli authorities are intensifying settlement expansion through efforts intended to “entrench de facto annexation and extend settlements” across the occupied region.

It said Israel’s so-called Higher Planning Council, which functions under the Civil Administration, has reviewed nine settlement plans since the start of July that have progressed to the approval and deposit phases.

The development plans feature 1,024 new settler units, with 455 units already approved and 569 units submitted for further planning evaluations.

According to the commission, the projects are part of “a systematic policy” intended to enhance settlement blocs in the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds, through horizontal expansion and a rise in housing density to support a larger population of illegal settlers.

Israel is placing greater emphasis on enhancing current settlements instead of creating new ones by modifying construction plans, land-use regulations, and zoning to boost settlement density, it stated.

Israeli authorities have sanctioned a project to enlarge the Mevo Dotan settlement, which is situated on land that belongs to the town of Arraba in southern Jenin, by incorporating 455 new settler units across approximately 539 dunams (133.19 acres).

Four Israeli settlers arrested for attacking CNN crew in West Bank

Four illegal Israeli settlers are arrested for an attack on CNN crew in the occupied West Bank, Palestine.

The commission further noted that two more proposals have been put forward to enlarge the Beit Hagai and Asael settlements located in the southern West Bank governorate of al-Khalil, which would introduce 569 settlement units across an area exceeding 519 dunams (128.2 acres).

It was stated that settlement planning has evolved into “an integrated system” aimed at transforming Palestinian geography by enlarging settlements and connecting them to Israeli infrastructure, while simultaneously limiting Palestinian urban growth. The policy is characterized as a method for reinforcing Israel’s “de facto annexation” of occupied Palestinian territories.

According to a report released on July 6 by the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, settlers conducted 3,488 attacks in the first half of the year. The attacks included raids on Palestinian villages, arson of homes, shootings, land seizures, and the establishment of settlement outposts, leading to the deaths of 17 Palestinians.

Approximately 750,000 settlers inhabit 141 unauthorized settlements and 224 settlement outposts throughout the occupied West Bank, which includes around 250,000 individuals in occupied East al-Quds.

Since October 2023, the occupied West Bank has experienced a rise in assaults by the Israeli army and settlers. Official Palestinian statistics indicate that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of 1,181 Palestinians, nearly 13,000 injuries, and the abduction of approximately 24,000 Palestinians.

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