PLO Warns Against Establishment of Illegal Settlement Outpost in Bethlehem
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) issued a warning regarding the dangers of setting up an illegal settlement outpost at an archaeological site in Bethlehem, in the southern West Bank. The PLO’s National Bureau for the Defense of Land highlighted the threat posed by the Nahal Helitz outpost on the village of Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The bureau disclosed that the outpost is one of five illegal settlements approved by the Israeli government to connect Jerusalem and other settlements to the Gush Etzion block, violating international heritage preservation agreements.
Battir, known for its traditional agricultural practices and terraces, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. The village has faced previous threats from Israeli authorities, including plans to evict Palestinian farmers and shepherds.
Amidst escalating tensions in the region, with casualties mounting in the West Bank and Gaza, the PLO’s stance against illegal outposts reflects a broader struggle for Palestinian sovereignty and protection of cultural heritage.