Israel approves the most extensive land acquisition in the West Bank

Ramallah July 03, 2024(QJ)  -The Israeli administration has approved the most extensive land acquisition in the West Bank in over thirty years, as the rate of land seizure in the occupied Palestinian territories reaches its highest level, according to an Israeli settlement watchdog organization.

The planned appropriation, authorized by the Israeli government late last month but disclosed on Wednesday, targets 12.7 square kilometers (4.9 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley, said the NGO Peace Now.

This move raises the total area of West Bank land claimed by Israel this year to 23.7 square kilometers (9.15 square miles), making 2024 the highest year for Israeli land seizures so far, the monitor reported.

The parcels in the Jordan Valley mentioned are contiguous and located northeast of Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority is based.

By declaring state land, the Israeli government opens the land for leasing to Israelis while prohibiting private Palestinian ownership.

During the occupation, Israeli forces have destroyed Palestinian roads and homes, detained 9,510 people, and killed 553.

There are more than 100 settlements in the occupied West Bank, home to over 500,000 Jews who hold Israeli citizenship.