The Palestinian Presidency issued strong warnings about the repercussions of continued Israeli settlement policies deep in the occupied West Bank. In an official statement, the Presidency called on the American administration for urgent intervention to stop what it described as 'Israeli madness' that undermines opportunities for peace and stability in the region.
This stance came after the occupation authorities officially approved the construction of 2162 new settlement units, distributed among major settlement blocs and scattered areas. The Palestinian leadership considered this step a grave violation of international law and a challenge to the will of the international community that rejects settlement expansion.
The Presidency stressed that all forms of settlement lack legal and political legitimacy, affirming that these plans will not grant the occupation any right to Palestinian land. It pointed out that UN Resolution 2334 remains the legal reference that proves the invalidity of these measures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The statement held the Israeli authorities fully responsible for sliding into new cycles of violence and field escalation as a result of these provocations. The Presidency affirmed that the absence of international accountability encourages the occupation government to proceed with its policy of imposing facts on the ground and confiscating Palestinian property.
The newly approved units are distributed to include the construction of 1006 units in the 'Givat' settlement south of Bethlehem, in addition to 922 units in the 'Har Bracha' settlement around Nablus. The plans also included the construction of 234 additional units in the 'Kiryat Arba' settlement built on the lands of Hebron city.
In a related context, the Presidency affirmed that the Palestinian people will continue their steadfastness on their land and will not relinquish their legitimate national rights despite all pressures. It stressed that the ultimate goal remains the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only way to achieve security.
These developments come amid a sharp escalation of violations in the West Bank since October 2023, where official statistics indicate the martyrdom of 1168 people and thousands injured. Repressive policies have also led to the arrest of about 23,000 citizens and the displacement of thousands from their homes amid unprecedented settlement expansion.
Settlement in all its forms is illegal and does not grant legitimacy to any party, and it is a blatant challenge to international resolutions.
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Palestinian Presidency warns of 'settlement madness' and demands immediate US intervention