Silent Settlement Expansion in Jenin Amid Gaza Conflict
As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, the town of Ya'bad, located southwest of Jenin in the West Bank, is witnessing a significant escalation in Israeli settlement activities. Reports indicate that Israel is confiscating large tracts of land in Jenin, with a marked increase in these actions since the onset of hostilities in Gaza. The expansion of settlements not only threatens the Palestinian presence in the area but also exacerbates tensions between settlers and local residents.
The situation is particularly dire for local farmers like Muhammad Qasim Abu Shamla, who has seen his land progressively taken over by settlers. Abu Shamla recounts how he lost 32 dunams of land to the Dotan settlement, which has since been transformed into a livestock farm. He lamented, "Since the occupation seized my land, I have not been allowed to enter it or harvest the olives there." This year alone, he estimates a loss of around 50 cans of olive oil due to the ongoing restrictions.
Settler Violence and Land Confiscation
The residents of Ya'bad are increasingly facing threats from settlers, who claim ownership over lands that Palestinian farmers have cultivated for generations. Mahmoud Hamduni, a representative from the nearby Khirbet Meriha, highlighted the daily intimidation faced by locals, stating, "Settlers come and say that this land is theirs and that we must leave it or they will shoot us." This hostile environment has forced many residents to take longer, more dangerous routes to access their lands.
Amjad Atatreh, the mayor of Ya'bad, reported that Israeli authorities have issued orders to seize nearly 22,000 dunams of land in the region, effectively turning these areas into nature reserves as a precursor to settlement expansion. He noted that residents have been barred from accessing their lands for over a year, with settlers now using these areas for grazing under military protection.
Increased Settlement Activity During Conflict
The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in settlement activities across the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Authority, approximately 27,000 dunams of land were confiscated during the first half of this year alone. The number of settlers in the West Bank has reached around 720,000, with a UN report indicating a troubling rise in settlement construction within occupied territories.
The settlements of Hermesh, Mavo Dotan, and Tel Menashe are among those expanding rapidly, with new housing units being constructed and existing areas being fortified. The Dotan military checkpoint, which has also seen expansion, serves as a barrier for local residents, further complicating their access to essential resources and their agricultural lands. The situation remains tense as the conflict continues, raising concerns about the future of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
