Bethlehem / PNN/
The head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Minister Muayyad Shaban, has condemned Israel's recent decision to convert 13 colonial neighborhoods into full-fledged settlements, complete with all privileges and services. He described the move as a step that seeks to further fragment and manipulate Palestinian geography.
In a statement issued today, Shaban explained that the Israeli government had decided to separate a number of colonial neighborhoods from the settlements to which they previously belonged, designating them as independent settlements. This move is seen as a deliberate attempt to strengthen Israeli colonial expansion on Palestinian land.
Shaban detailed that four of these newly designated settlements are located in the Ramallah Governorate, specifically next to the Talmon settlement, while four more are in the Bethlehem Governorate. Additionally, two are situated in the Salfit Governorate, one in Nablus, one in Jericho, and another in Tubas.
The minister added that most of these neighborhoods were initially established as illegal outposts over two decades ago. Over time, the Israeli government took steps to formalize them as neighborhoods, bypassing international law and ignoring the global stance against colonial construction in occupied Palestinian territories.
Shaban emphasized that, while Israel had previously avoided openly declaring the construction of new settlements, pretending these neighborhoods were simply solutions for the "natural growth" of settlers, the recent move reveals Israel’s true intentions. The aim is to build settlements that will facilitate the expansion of Israeli control and further isolate Palestinian communities, thereby undermining any potential for geographic continuity between Palestinian villages and towns.
The 13 neighborhoods that have now been officially transformed into settlements are, as of today, included in the official records of the Palestinian Commission as full-fledged settlements. This marks a significant shift in the Israeli strategy to solidify its presence and territorial claims at the expense of Palestinian land.
Shaban also criticized Israel's right-wing government, which has openly prioritized colonization since its formation. He reiterated that the government continues to implement its plans to seize Palestinian land and push forward annexation efforts, with blatant disregard for international law.
He called on the international community to take clear, concrete, and effective action against Israel’s ongoing violations, particularly in light of the most recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the occupation and colonial expansion, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which deems Israeli settlement activity illegal and invalid.
