Analysts: The "Ma'ale Adumim" project is a death certificate for the idea of a Palestinian state

The expansion project of the Ma'ale Adumim settlement, announced by the occupation, represents an official end to the idea of a Palestinian state that has been discussed for decades. This project comes at a time when fears are increasing regarding the entrenchment of the occupation in the West Bank, as the occupation seeks to connect the settlement to the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the launch of a settlement program aimed at bringing one million settlers to the West Bank, reflecting the occupation's intention to significantly expand settlement activity. The project includes the confiscation of thousands of dunams, threatening to increase tensions in the region.

According to journalist Muntasir Nassar, the project includes the construction of more than 3,400 new settlement units, in addition to other units in the Ariel settlement. Nassar points out that the construction process is accelerating significantly, especially on the road linking the cities of Hebron and Bethlehem.

Israel plans to seize entire Palestinian villages, such as the village of An-Nu'man east of Bethlehem, where the occupation government has informed residents to evacuate to expand the Har Homa settlement. This seizure reflects the occupation's policy of promoting settlement at the expense of Palestinian rights.

The Ma'ale Adumim project is divided into two parts, with the first part known as 'E1' approved last July. This project, which began to be discussed in 1994, reflects the continued occupation's construction of infrastructure that reinforces its control over Palestinian lands.

Settlement expert Khalil Tafakji confirms that the project means the occupation will control 10% of the area of the West Bank under what is called 'Greater Jerusalem.' This expansion threatens to eliminate the possibility of establishing a geographically contiguous Palestinian state.

According to expert Sari Arabi, the project obliterates any attempt to establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, as it will create a massive Israeli urban and demographic barrier in the West Bank. This reflects the extreme right-wing trends in Israel.

During a press conference, the head of the Ma'ale Adumim settlement council confirmed that the expansion project 'will destroy the dream of a Palestinian state,' emphasizing the importance of not yielding to international criticism. These statements reflect the challenge faced by Palestinians in light of Israeli policies.