Israel Seizes 800 Hectares of Land in Occupied West Bank
In a controversial move, Israel has reported the seizure of 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of land in the occupied West Bank. This action, declared by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as “state lands,” has sparked outrage among activists who have called it the largest land seizure in decades.
The seized area, located in the northern Jordan Valley, was declared as state lands just as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for talks regarding the Gaza war. According to Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now, this is the largest land seizure since the Oslo Accords of 1993. They also noted that 2024 has seen a peak in the extent of declarations of state land by Israel.
The West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, was captured by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Despite international law stating that settlements in Palestinian territories are illegal, Israel has continued to build settlements across the West Bank over the past few decades. These settlements are now home to over 490,000 Israelis, who live alongside approximately three million Palestinians in the territory.
The United Nations human rights chief has raised concerns about the drastic acceleration in illegal settlement building since Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza began. This rapid expansion of settlements poses a significant threat to the possibility of a viable Palestinian state, according to the UN.
Secretary Blinken has also weighed in on the issue, describing settlement expansion as “counterproductive to reaching enduring peace” with the Palestinians. The ongoing expansion of settlements only serves to further complicate the already complex situation in the region and hinders efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
While some within Israel view these actions as necessary for promoting settlement and securing the country’s borders, others see it as a violation of international law and a barrier to achieving peace. The issue of settlements remains a contentious topic in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with no easy solutions in sight.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Only through open communication and a commitment to finding common ground can progress be made towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.