16 oct 2014
European diplomats are looking at ways to raise pressure on Israel by taking a series of unprecedented steps to stop settlement expansion shortly after a shift of a similar sort was partly reflected in Sweden's decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state and a non-binding vote in the British parliament on the same issue. The Israeli Yedioth Aharonot newspaper said while the diplomats say they are only at an early point in planning their diplomatic "warfare," one move they are threatening to take is imposing a travel ban on Jewish settlers who have been involved in crimes against Palestinians.
The EU has already imposed restrictions on loans to Israeli scientific institutions that operate in the West Bank and is moving ahead with plans to label products made in Jewish settlements. But further steps are now being considered.
"The paperwork has been done but it is frozen for now," one official said. "It is basically a blacklist of violent settlers who have been accused of or convicted of crimes. It would prevent them from traveling to Europe."
"No one is talking about imposing trade sanctions on Israel," said one EU country's ambassador to Israel. "But there is a very high level of frustration and there are many instruments at our disposal to make that frustration clear."
The EU official said that looking into new manners to pressure Israel stems from the continuous frustration resulting from the ongoing building of settlements across the green line which reached its peak this year and has raised a wave of wide condemnations in the recent weeks.
EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg next Monday, where they will possibly discuss various moves against Israel.
The EU has already imposed restrictions on loans to Israeli scientific institutions that operate in the West Bank and is moving ahead with plans to label products made in Jewish settlements. But further steps are now being considered.
"The paperwork has been done but it is frozen for now," one official said. "It is basically a blacklist of violent settlers who have been accused of or convicted of crimes. It would prevent them from traveling to Europe."
"No one is talking about imposing trade sanctions on Israel," said one EU country's ambassador to Israel. "But there is a very high level of frustration and there are many instruments at our disposal to make that frustration clear."
The EU official said that looking into new manners to pressure Israel stems from the continuous frustration resulting from the ongoing building of settlements across the green line which reached its peak this year and has raised a wave of wide condemnations in the recent weeks.
EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg next Monday, where they will possibly discuss various moves against Israel.
10 oct 2014
The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) have started the establishment of 600 new housing units in four settlements east of occupied Jerusalem, Israeli media sources revealed. Kol Ha'ir Hebrew newspaper said that Aharon Company managed to market a new housing project in Pisgat Ze'ev settlement north of occupied Jerusalem.
The project includes the establishment of four buildings each consisting of six housing units within 20 months.
The company had earlier marketed a housing project that included the establishment of 22 housing units in the same settlement.
Another settlement project was also marketed in Maale Adumim settlement. The project includes the construction of two buildings containing 14 housing units.
Aharon Company is expected to declare a new project in Gilo settlement that includes four buildings consisting of 22 housing units.
Around 165 new housing units are currently under construction in Neve Yaakov settlement as well as 48 housing units in Pisgat Zeev.
For its part, Tserfata Shimon started selling 142 housing units in HarHoma outpost, in addition to obtaining tenders for the construction of 92 new housing units in Pisgat Zeev settlement.
In the same context, the Maltese government has strongly condemned the Israeli decision to approve plans for new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.
Consistent with its longstanding position on Israeli settlement expansion, Malta condemns the recent Israeli decision to approve a plan for new settlement activity in Givat Hamatos.
Malta is very much concerned that this latest announcement will seriously undermine the viability of a two-state solution. This latest announcement further puts into question Israel’s commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians, a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta on Thursday said.
“Malta reiterates the EU’s and its own position that settlements are illegal under international law and only serve to undermine the prospects for constructive negotiations leading to a two-state solution. Thus, Malta calls on the Israeli government to reverse its decision and revise its settlement policy in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
The project includes the establishment of four buildings each consisting of six housing units within 20 months.
The company had earlier marketed a housing project that included the establishment of 22 housing units in the same settlement.
Another settlement project was also marketed in Maale Adumim settlement. The project includes the construction of two buildings containing 14 housing units.
Aharon Company is expected to declare a new project in Gilo settlement that includes four buildings consisting of 22 housing units.
Around 165 new housing units are currently under construction in Neve Yaakov settlement as well as 48 housing units in Pisgat Zeev.
For its part, Tserfata Shimon started selling 142 housing units in HarHoma outpost, in addition to obtaining tenders for the construction of 92 new housing units in Pisgat Zeev settlement.
In the same context, the Maltese government has strongly condemned the Israeli decision to approve plans for new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.
Consistent with its longstanding position on Israeli settlement expansion, Malta condemns the recent Israeli decision to approve a plan for new settlement activity in Givat Hamatos.
Malta is very much concerned that this latest announcement will seriously undermine the viability of a two-state solution. This latest announcement further puts into question Israel’s commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians, a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta on Thursday said.
“Malta reiterates the EU’s and its own position that settlements are illegal under international law and only serve to undermine the prospects for constructive negotiations leading to a two-state solution. Thus, Malta calls on the Israeli government to reverse its decision and revise its settlement policy in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) on Thursday annexed Palestinian-owned agricultural lands located within the boundaries of Al-Khader and Nahalin towns, southwest of Bethlehem. Ibrahim Shakarna, head of the municipal council in Nahalin, said that the IOA notified the Palestinian owners that it had seized their lands in Nahalin and Khader town.
Shakarna added that an Israeli company started to bulldoze about three dunums of land (3,000 square meters) in the appropriated area near Daniel settlement and placed a notice board reading in Hebrew that a public park will be established there for Jewish settlers.
The municipal official noted that the IOA intends to build the park for southern settlements on 400 dunums of land belonging to several Palestinian families from the towns of Nahalin and Khader towns.
He added that the IOA claims that the annexed lands are located within a sacred Jewish area.
Shakarna added that an Israeli company started to bulldoze about three dunums of land (3,000 square meters) in the appropriated area near Daniel settlement and placed a notice board reading in Hebrew that a public park will be established there for Jewish settlers.
The municipal official noted that the IOA intends to build the park for southern settlements on 400 dunums of land belonging to several Palestinian families from the towns of Nahalin and Khader towns.
He added that the IOA claims that the annexed lands are located within a sacred Jewish area.
8 oct 2014
The Japanese Government issued a statement, on Tuesday, denouncing the recent Israeli decision to build 2600 additional units in Israeli settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Israel’s settlements contradict all international efforts to ensure the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, especially after the ceasefire agreement that ended Israel’s aggression on Gaza.
Japan said Israel’s settlements place further obstacles that hinder the prospects of a two-state solution that would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian State living in peace next to Israel.
It added that settlements violate International Law and the Fourth Geneva Conventions, and called on Tel Aviv to stop its settlement activities in the occupied territories, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
“Japan strongly calls on Israel to refrain from unilateral measures that could change the situation, and the future, of occupied Jerusalem,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. "Israel must halt its settlement activities in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
It also called on Tel Aviv to void its decision as it places more obstacles in front of all efforts meant for advancing pace talks.
Japan further called on Israel and the Palestinians to act on rebuilding trust needed for peace talks to resume in order to achieve a comprehensive peaceful solution to the conflict.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Israel’s settlements contradict all international efforts to ensure the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, especially after the ceasefire agreement that ended Israel’s aggression on Gaza.
Japan said Israel’s settlements place further obstacles that hinder the prospects of a two-state solution that would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian State living in peace next to Israel.
It added that settlements violate International Law and the Fourth Geneva Conventions, and called on Tel Aviv to stop its settlement activities in the occupied territories, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
“Japan strongly calls on Israel to refrain from unilateral measures that could change the situation, and the future, of occupied Jerusalem,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. "Israel must halt its settlement activities in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
It also called on Tel Aviv to void its decision as it places more obstacles in front of all efforts meant for advancing pace talks.
Japan further called on Israel and the Palestinians to act on rebuilding trust needed for peace talks to resume in order to achieve a comprehensive peaceful solution to the conflict.
6 oct 2014
A high-ranking Bulgarian official, on Monday, condemned new Israeli settlement plans and confirmed that his country would be attending the Gaza reconstruction conference.
Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Poriazov confirmed that a Bulgarian delegation will attend the Gaza reconstruction conference to be hosted by Cairo on October 12, WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports. The delegation will be headed by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov.
During a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Ahmad al-Madbuh, Mr. Poriazov expressed his country’s condemnation of recent Israeli plans to construct 2,610 settlement units in the illegal settlement of 'Givat Hamatos’, as well as that of the recent takeover of several Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan by Elad (Ir David) Association.
Poriazov called Israel to reverse its decisions, which jeopardize any prospects for realizing a two-state solution in the region, and to commit itself to achieving a peaceful settlement.
He additionally stated that his country will not recognize unilateral steps taken to change the pre1967 borders, including changes in occupied East Jerusalem, outside of those agreed upon by the parties.
He also stressed that to upgrade his country’s relations with Israel would be contingent upon Israel’s commitment to make peace based on that two-state solution.
See also: PLO Welcomes Swedish Recognition of Palestine
Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Poriazov confirmed that a Bulgarian delegation will attend the Gaza reconstruction conference to be hosted by Cairo on October 12, WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports. The delegation will be headed by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov.
During a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Ahmad al-Madbuh, Mr. Poriazov expressed his country’s condemnation of recent Israeli plans to construct 2,610 settlement units in the illegal settlement of 'Givat Hamatos’, as well as that of the recent takeover of several Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan by Elad (Ir David) Association.
Poriazov called Israel to reverse its decisions, which jeopardize any prospects for realizing a two-state solution in the region, and to commit itself to achieving a peaceful settlement.
He additionally stated that his country will not recognize unilateral steps taken to change the pre1967 borders, including changes in occupied East Jerusalem, outside of those agreed upon by the parties.
He also stressed that to upgrade his country’s relations with Israel would be contingent upon Israel’s commitment to make peace based on that two-state solution.
See also: PLO Welcomes Swedish Recognition of Palestine
5 oct 2014
Residents of the Bethlehem-area village of Wadi Fukin have begun weekly demonstrations against Israel's planned expropriation of 4000 dunams in the West Bank. For five weeks now the villagers have been protesting against this theft of land, 25 percent of which belongs to Wadi Fukin.
Unaccustomed to Israel's military repression, many villagers told the AIC they were shocked when the first protest was met with copious amounts of tear gas. Still the community continued protesting, altering the protest route in order to reduce Israeli violence, and support has been growing. “The fourth demonstration was heavy and well attended”, a protestor who does not wish to be named told the AIC. A committee to organize the protests was established and the weekly protest is meant to continue.
A smaller number of protesters took part in last Friday's demonstration as many were preparing for the Eid al Adha holiday, which began that night. Around 40 villagers, internationals and journalists marched toward the nearby settlement of Beitar Illit, before soldiers prevented them from advancing. Large banners, made to fly with balloons, that stated “This is our land“ in Hebrew were subsequently taken from the demonstrators by the soldiers. Protestors carrying signs and flags were met with aggressive behavior and as the demonstration retreated, soldiers started to chase the protesters. A volunteer medic from the Palestinian Medical Relief Society medical team was detained, blindfolded and handcuffed, but later released on site. Two stun grenades were used against protestors who were throwing stones at the soldiers near the village after the demonstration had ended.
Already surrounded by Tsur Hadassah and the settlements of Beitar Illit and Hadar Beitar and with new plans to build a further settlement to the west, Wadi Fukin residents fear being completely surrounded by settlements. And as 60 percent of the community’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, the land grab will have disastrous effects on their economy.
However, discussions about the weekly event have arisen in the village.
Some villagers do not participate in the protests. They fear losing their work permits in Israel while others do not hold the necessary paperwork and see no possibility of winning the struggle against the planned land theft. Mayor Ahmed Sokal, however, stated that the village council will help those lacking the required documents.
Unaccustomed to Israel's military repression, many villagers told the AIC they were shocked when the first protest was met with copious amounts of tear gas. Still the community continued protesting, altering the protest route in order to reduce Israeli violence, and support has been growing. “The fourth demonstration was heavy and well attended”, a protestor who does not wish to be named told the AIC. A committee to organize the protests was established and the weekly protest is meant to continue.
A smaller number of protesters took part in last Friday's demonstration as many were preparing for the Eid al Adha holiday, which began that night. Around 40 villagers, internationals and journalists marched toward the nearby settlement of Beitar Illit, before soldiers prevented them from advancing. Large banners, made to fly with balloons, that stated “This is our land“ in Hebrew were subsequently taken from the demonstrators by the soldiers. Protestors carrying signs and flags were met with aggressive behavior and as the demonstration retreated, soldiers started to chase the protesters. A volunteer medic from the Palestinian Medical Relief Society medical team was detained, blindfolded and handcuffed, but later released on site. Two stun grenades were used against protestors who were throwing stones at the soldiers near the village after the demonstration had ended.
Already surrounded by Tsur Hadassah and the settlements of Beitar Illit and Hadar Beitar and with new plans to build a further settlement to the west, Wadi Fukin residents fear being completely surrounded by settlements. And as 60 percent of the community’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, the land grab will have disastrous effects on their economy.
However, discussions about the weekly event have arisen in the village.
Some villagers do not participate in the protests. They fear losing their work permits in Israel while others do not hold the necessary paperwork and see no possibility of winning the struggle against the planned land theft. Mayor Ahmed Sokal, however, stated that the village council will help those lacking the required documents.
4 oct 2014
Italy has strongly criticized Israel's decision to move forward in its plan for building new housing units in occupied Jerusalem "as an obstacle to the peace process." Israel’s decision to build 2160 homes at Givat Hamatos, near Jerusalem, is an obstacle to the efforts to reach a definitive solution to a conflict that has already affected, if not broken, the lives of too many generations, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday.
"It is a provision that appears incompatible with the Israeli government’s several times reiterated intention to reach peace through a two-state solution. It is a decision that would weaken any possibility of the agreement envisaging Jerusalem as the future capital of the two states," according to the statement.
The statement concluded by appealing to the Israeli government to review this decision and continue along the road of negotiations.
Israeli leftist movement Peace Now published a statement condemning the plan to build new housing units in Givat Hamatos Wednesday, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.
The organization charged that the plan was "destructive to the two-state solution," and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to "destroy the possibility" of peace.
"It is a provision that appears incompatible with the Israeli government’s several times reiterated intention to reach peace through a two-state solution. It is a decision that would weaken any possibility of the agreement envisaging Jerusalem as the future capital of the two states," according to the statement.
The statement concluded by appealing to the Israeli government to review this decision and continue along the road of negotiations.
Israeli leftist movement Peace Now published a statement condemning the plan to build new housing units in Givat Hamatos Wednesday, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.
The organization charged that the plan was "destructive to the two-state solution," and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to "destroy the possibility" of peace.
Givat Hamatos
The European Union condemned, on Friday, the Israeli plan to build 2610 new units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and called on Tel Aviv to reverse its plan as it threatens the efforts to resume direct peace talks in the region, and violates International Law.
The EU said that the Israeli move undermines the prospects of the two-state solution, and questions Israel’s commitment to comprehensive peace with the Palestinians.
The Israeli plan was first presented in 2012; the units are planned to be built in Givat Hamatos illegal settlement, in occupied East Jerusalem, and received the official final approval last week.
The EU said Israel is allowing the expansion of more settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, the anticipated capital of the future Palestinian State.
The United States also denounced the plan, on Wednesday, while US President Barack Obama told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the US is deeply concerned” about the issue.
The European Union called on Tel Aviv to stop its ongoing construction and expansion of settlements in occupied Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
East Jerusalem and the West Bank are under Israeli occupation; therefore, building Jewish settlements is illegal, as an occupying power should not move all or part of its population into territories it occupies.
Israel’s settlement activities have also caused the Palestinians to lose lands and orchards, only sources of livelihood to villagers and farmers in different parts of the occupied West Bank, while the Annexation Wall is now isolating what is left of those orchards, and turned many areas in the West Bank into isolated cantons.
The European Union said relations with Tell Aviv depend on its commitment to comprehensive peace, based on the two-state solution.
On Thursday, Egypt issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli decision, and said the Israeli move violates International Law, and places further obstacles to the efforts to resume direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
East Jerusalem, as well as the West Bank, fell under Israeli occupation following the 1967 war, while on July 30, 1980 Israel passed the “Jerusalem Law” annexing the city and considering it the “eternal united capital."
On August 20, 1980, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 478, denouncing the ongoing Israeli attempts to illegally annex Jerusalem.
The resolution came following six prior similar resolutions. It also notes that Israel is non-compliant with resolution 476 of June 30 1980.
Resolution 478 considered the Israeli “Jerusalem Law” a violation of International Law, and ruled it null and void, but similar to so many resolutions; Israel ignored it.
The resolution passed by 14 votes, with no states voting against it and the United States abstained.
The Palestinians said they will not return to peace talks with Tel Aviv without a complete cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s ongoing settlement construction and expansion activities.
The United States continues to grant Tel Aviv billions of dollars annually, and the ongoing military and security aid, in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars collected by pro-Israel lobbies in the US, thus it is practically running the occupation and funding the illegitimate Israeli construction and expansion of settlement.
The European Union condemned, on Friday, the Israeli plan to build 2610 new units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and called on Tel Aviv to reverse its plan as it threatens the efforts to resume direct peace talks in the region, and violates International Law.
The EU said that the Israeli move undermines the prospects of the two-state solution, and questions Israel’s commitment to comprehensive peace with the Palestinians.
The Israeli plan was first presented in 2012; the units are planned to be built in Givat Hamatos illegal settlement, in occupied East Jerusalem, and received the official final approval last week.
The EU said Israel is allowing the expansion of more settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, the anticipated capital of the future Palestinian State.
The United States also denounced the plan, on Wednesday, while US President Barack Obama told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the US is deeply concerned” about the issue.
The European Union called on Tel Aviv to stop its ongoing construction and expansion of settlements in occupied Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
East Jerusalem and the West Bank are under Israeli occupation; therefore, building Jewish settlements is illegal, as an occupying power should not move all or part of its population into territories it occupies.
Israel’s settlement activities have also caused the Palestinians to lose lands and orchards, only sources of livelihood to villagers and farmers in different parts of the occupied West Bank, while the Annexation Wall is now isolating what is left of those orchards, and turned many areas in the West Bank into isolated cantons.
The European Union said relations with Tell Aviv depend on its commitment to comprehensive peace, based on the two-state solution.
On Thursday, Egypt issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli decision, and said the Israeli move violates International Law, and places further obstacles to the efforts to resume direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
East Jerusalem, as well as the West Bank, fell under Israeli occupation following the 1967 war, while on July 30, 1980 Israel passed the “Jerusalem Law” annexing the city and considering it the “eternal united capital."
On August 20, 1980, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 478, denouncing the ongoing Israeli attempts to illegally annex Jerusalem.
The resolution came following six prior similar resolutions. It also notes that Israel is non-compliant with resolution 476 of June 30 1980.
Resolution 478 considered the Israeli “Jerusalem Law” a violation of International Law, and ruled it null and void, but similar to so many resolutions; Israel ignored it.
The resolution passed by 14 votes, with no states voting against it and the United States abstained.
The Palestinians said they will not return to peace talks with Tel Aviv without a complete cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s ongoing settlement construction and expansion activities.
The United States continues to grant Tel Aviv billions of dollars annually, and the ongoing military and security aid, in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars collected by pro-Israel lobbies in the US, thus it is practically running the occupation and funding the illegitimate Israeli construction and expansion of settlement.
3 oct 2014
The French government slammed the latest Israeli decision to build 2610 homes in Givat HaMatos illegal Jewish settlement, south of occupied East Jerusalem, and called on Tel Aviv to void the approval.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the construction plans meant establishing the first new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem in 15 years, and expressed his country’s full rejection to the plan.
“We urgently called on Tel Aviv to void its plan,” Fabius said. “Settlements jeopardize the two-state solution; they prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.”
He added that such actions must be stopped, and called on Tel Aviv to refrain from conducting acts that threaten the efforts to resume peace talks.
“We cannot pretend to support a solution while conducting acts against it without consequences being drawn, Fabius stated. “This includes consequences at the level of the European Union.” However, he did not elaborate on the said consequences.
The French condemnation against the settlement plan came one day after the United States issued a similar statement, and expressed that to move ahead with this plan questions Israel’s commitment to peace in the region.
However, the United States is the biggest supporter of Israel, especially politically, economically and on the military and security levels, with billions of US dollars annually.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the construction plans meant establishing the first new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem in 15 years, and expressed his country’s full rejection to the plan.
“We urgently called on Tel Aviv to void its plan,” Fabius said. “Settlements jeopardize the two-state solution; they prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.”
He added that such actions must be stopped, and called on Tel Aviv to refrain from conducting acts that threaten the efforts to resume peace talks.
“We cannot pretend to support a solution while conducting acts against it without consequences being drawn, Fabius stated. “This includes consequences at the level of the European Union.” However, he did not elaborate on the said consequences.
The French condemnation against the settlement plan came one day after the United States issued a similar statement, and expressed that to move ahead with this plan questions Israel’s commitment to peace in the region.
However, the United States is the biggest supporter of Israel, especially politically, economically and on the military and security levels, with billions of US dollars annually.
2 oct 2014
The Civil Administration Office of the Israeli army, in the occupied West Bank, issued a decision on Wednesday to confiscate Five Dunams (1.23 Acres) of Palestinian lands to expand a road section used by settlers of the illegal Adam settlements, east of Jerusalem.
Israeli sources said that the plan is meant for expanding road #437, near the Palestinian town of Hezma, and that the new section would “reduce traffic jams on the main road" linking occupied Jerusalem with Israeli settlements in the central West Bank district of Ramallah.
The Civil Administration did not provide any information, so far, of what would happen to a number of Palestinian homes in the area which Israel intends to confiscate.
Israeli Peace Now Movement said in a statement on its webpage that about 35% of the occupied West Bank is under the jurisdiction of settlements’ "Regional Councils”.
Peace Now additionally stated that this means “an additional one-third of the West Bank became off-limits to the Palestinians, and under the control of settlers.
The group asserts that settlements led to the confiscation of hundreds of kilometers of lands in the West Bank to build roads leading to them, and to connect them to each other and to Israel.
Settlements, and their roads, are spread all over the West Bank, separating Palestinian communities from each other, and lead to severely hindering the movement and access of Palestinians.
“These roads do not only deny Palestinian contiguity; they also occupy a significant amount of land that became off-limits to the Palestinians,” Peace Now stated.
Israeli sources said that the plan is meant for expanding road #437, near the Palestinian town of Hezma, and that the new section would “reduce traffic jams on the main road" linking occupied Jerusalem with Israeli settlements in the central West Bank district of Ramallah.
The Civil Administration did not provide any information, so far, of what would happen to a number of Palestinian homes in the area which Israel intends to confiscate.
Israeli Peace Now Movement said in a statement on its webpage that about 35% of the occupied West Bank is under the jurisdiction of settlements’ "Regional Councils”.
Peace Now additionally stated that this means “an additional one-third of the West Bank became off-limits to the Palestinians, and under the control of settlers.
The group asserts that settlements led to the confiscation of hundreds of kilometers of lands in the West Bank to build roads leading to them, and to connect them to each other and to Israel.
Settlements, and their roads, are spread all over the West Bank, separating Palestinian communities from each other, and lead to severely hindering the movement and access of Palestinians.
“These roads do not only deny Palestinian contiguity; they also occupy a significant amount of land that became off-limits to the Palestinians,” Peace Now stated.
The Jerusalem City Council started the planning stage for the construction of 2610 units in the illegal Givat Hamatos Jewish settlement, south of occupied East Jerusalem.
The Council granted its approval for the construction project in December of 2012, and officially announced the plan via the Israeli media a week ago.
It would also be announcing construction bids in local Israeli newspapers.
Following the Israeli announcement, a number of European countries denounced the plan, and expressed concern about the Israeli move, as it places more obstacles in front of the ongoing efforts to resume direct peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israeli Army Radio said the timing of the plan is very problematic as it was made just before the planned meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama, and amidst European statements, warning that this move affects the outcome of two-state solution talks and the future of Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem City Council claimed that the issue here is a matter of “bureaucracy", and “has nothing to do with politics”, adding that the actual construction will not start any time soon, and that “some of the units will be designated for Arabs”.
Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Settlements are largely built on privately owned Palestinian lands, illegally confiscated from the Palestinians, while other settlements are built on areas dubbed by Israel as “State Land," yet, they are all in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem, therefore, they cannot be legally “state-owned lands.”
Settlements and the Annexation Wall isolated entire Palestinian communities, led to significant losses of agricultural lands and orchards, while large areas of lands, still owned by the Palestinians are now isolated behind the Wall.
Back in May of this year, Israeli “Construction and Housing” Minister Uri Ariel of the extremist Jewish Home party, member of the coalition government, said settler population in the West Bank and Jerusalem will witnesses a significant increase.
According to Ariel, the number of settlers in the West Bank is now around 400.000, but this number would jump to 550.000 or even 600.000.
The Council granted its approval for the construction project in December of 2012, and officially announced the plan via the Israeli media a week ago.
It would also be announcing construction bids in local Israeli newspapers.
Following the Israeli announcement, a number of European countries denounced the plan, and expressed concern about the Israeli move, as it places more obstacles in front of the ongoing efforts to resume direct peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israeli Army Radio said the timing of the plan is very problematic as it was made just before the planned meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama, and amidst European statements, warning that this move affects the outcome of two-state solution talks and the future of Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem City Council claimed that the issue here is a matter of “bureaucracy", and “has nothing to do with politics”, adding that the actual construction will not start any time soon, and that “some of the units will be designated for Arabs”.
Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Settlements are largely built on privately owned Palestinian lands, illegally confiscated from the Palestinians, while other settlements are built on areas dubbed by Israel as “State Land," yet, they are all in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem, therefore, they cannot be legally “state-owned lands.”
Settlements and the Annexation Wall isolated entire Palestinian communities, led to significant losses of agricultural lands and orchards, while large areas of lands, still owned by the Palestinians are now isolated behind the Wall.
Back in May of this year, Israeli “Construction and Housing” Minister Uri Ariel of the extremist Jewish Home party, member of the coalition government, said settler population in the West Bank and Jerusalem will witnesses a significant increase.
According to Ariel, the number of settlers in the West Bank is now around 400.000, but this number would jump to 550.000 or even 600.000.