Israeli army seizes more Palestinian land in central occupied West Bank

The Israeli army has seized more Palestinian territories located in the western Ramallah region in the central part of the West Bank regarding illicit settlements, a Palestinian non-governmental organization noted. 

Extensive Land Seizure 

The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission renewed via a press release on Tuesday that the Israeli occupying forces have seized 441 dunums of land belonging to the Palestinian villagers of Shabtin, Deir Ammar, and Deir Qaddis in western Ramallah. The statement pointed out that the Israeli army has aimed in the past and still intends to capture all territories around the two Israeli settlements of Nili and Naale, which were established on the Palestinian lands. 

Political Intentions and Leaked Audio 

In June, leaks circulated a voice record of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich describing ways of ensuring that the West Bank does not become part of an independent Palestinian country and expanding Israel’s control over the territory. Regarding this specific statement, it is evident that continuing land expropriation is politically motivated. 

Accelerated Settlement Activity 

For years, there has been global criticism of Israel over the construction of settlements on Palestinian territory. However, the government has recently escalated construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These actions have attracted much criticism and are considered unlawful in international law. 

International Law and Settlement Legality 

As per the legal norms set in the international sphere, all Jewish settlements are considered to be illegitimate in the occupied territories. Such growth of these settlements only intensifies conflict and does not help create a two-state solution. 

The recent action of the Israeli army that started to seize lands in the West Bank proves that the land issue remains one of the most acute problems of the Middle Eastern countries. The actions have not only escalated the conflict but have also focused a huge international attention on the questions of illegal settlements and the situation in the Middle East in general, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular. 

 Impact on Palestinian Communities 

The process of land grabbing is very destructive for Palestinian people, as it displaces them, depriving them of shelters, means to sustain life, and sources of income. It negatively impacts farming des, toys, and social and economic relations between humans and hinders the occupied territories’ humanitarian crises. The systematic occurrence of land seizures and the development of new settlements intensify the resentment and displacement of Palestinians, which, in turn, hinder the possibility of establishing a lasting peace in the said area.