Israel’s land grabs in the West Bank have reached a peak this year, with 23.7sq km (9.15sq miles) claimed illegally, according to Peace Now.
Israeli authorities have approved the largest West Bank land seizure in over three decades, targeting 12.7sq km (4.9sq miles) in the Jordan Valley. This brings the total amount of land claimed by Israel in 2024 to 23.7sq km (9.15sq miles), exacerbating tensions in the region.
The Jordan Valley parcels in question are located northeast of Ramallah, further complicating the prospect of a two-state solution. The Israeli government’s decision to declare these lands as state-owned has drawn criticism from Peace Now, which argues that it hinders the path to peace.
‘Distancing us from peace’
The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, viewed as illegal by international law, remains a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace agreement. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s pledge to increase settlers in the region has raised concerns about the viability of a peaceful resolution.
The escalation of tensions and violence in the occupied Palestinian territory underscores the urgent need for a political settlement to end the conflict. This ongoing dispute not only impacts the local population but also perpetuates instability in the region.