Increase in Israeli Settlements in Palestinian-Controlled Areas
Recent reports from the Israeli rights group Peace Now indicate that seven new "illegal" settlement outposts have been established in the past six months within Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. This development raises concerns about the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements, particularly in Area B, which is under the civil control of the Palestinian Authority. The organization highlighted that five of these outposts are located east and southeast of Bethlehem, an area where Palestinian construction is prohibited.
Locations and Impact of New Settlements
The report details that one of the newly established outposts is situated east of the Ofra settlement, encroaching on lands owned by the Palestinian village of Ein Yabrud. Another outpost has been set up near the Shilo settlement, adjacent to the illegal Adei Ad outpost, which is also built on Palestinian land from the village of Turmus Ayya. The construction of these outposts is unprecedented since the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, which aimed to foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Peace Now noted that the establishment of these settlements has led to the displacement of some Palestinians who fear attacks from settlers.
The Broader Context of Settlement Expansion
The United Nations considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal and has repeatedly called for a halt to their expansion, warning that such actions undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Currently, the number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has surpassed 750,000, residing in over 170 settlements and numerous outposts. The increase in settlement activity has been particularly pronounced since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in December 2022, raising alarms about the future of peace negotiations and the viability of Palestinian statehood.
