Israel Expands Settlements in West Bank

In a significant development, Israel has advanced the highest number of settlements in the occupied West Bank since the Oslo Accords, according to a report from the European Union’s representative office in the Palestinian territories. The report, released on August 2, indicates that plans for 12,349 housing units in the West Bank and an additional 18,333 units in annexed East Jerusalem have moved towards approval, totaling 30,682 units. This surge in settlement activity is the highest recorded since 2012 and raises concerns about the viability of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The EU has consistently urged Israel to halt its settlement activities, reiterating that such settlements are deemed illegal under international law. The EU office emphasized that advancing these plans undermines the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which has been under occupation since 1967, are considered illegal, regardless of local planning permissions. The report highlights the emergence of numerous unauthorized settlements, which vary from makeshift tents to more established structures with access to utilities. The timing of this report coincides with heightened tensions in the region, particularly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. Since the conflict began, violence has escalated, with at least 594 Palestinians reported killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank. The far-right factions within Israel's governing coalition have been advocating for an acceleration of settlement expansion, further complicating the already volatile situation.