The Israeli occupation authorities have issued a military order, numbered (T/48/26), which was issued on October 28 and is valid until the end of 2028. This order allows the military commander to exclusively possess the specified lands, as shown on the attached maps, effectively placing a strip of land from the three towns under military control. The seized land is intended to serve the connection between colonial sites.
According to the Palestinian Authority's Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority, the seized area includes 5.891 dunams classified as "state land" by the Israeli occupation authorities, making up about 22.3% of the total area. The remaining 20.582 dunams are lands not classified as "state land". This distribution highlights the use of land classification tools and military orders to provide the necessary land for colonial infrastructure.
The new colonial axis, named "Atiret-Nefeh Tsuf Emergency Axis", aims to connect colonial sites and their extensions. The axis' significance goes beyond the seized land area, as it may play a crucial role in enhancing the network of connections between settlements, outposts, and colonial extensions in the vicinity of the "Atiret" and "Halameish" settlements.
The Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority stated that the military order, although it does not transfer land ownership, raises fundamental questions about the use of military powers to consolidate the colonial structure and expand its control. The seized lands belong to the towns of Deir Nizam, Um Safa, and Atara.
The colonial axis is expected to facilitate the movement of settlers and enhance their presence between Palestinian towns. Additionally, it may impose further restrictions on landowners' access to adjacent plots, according to implementation arrangements. This move is seen as part of the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.
The Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority emphasized that the use of military powers to seize land and impose control over Palestinian areas is a concerning development. The authority called for international attention to the ongoing Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank.
The Israeli military order allows for the exclusive possession of the specified lands by the military commander until 2028. This move has sparked concerns among Palestinian communities about the potential consequences for landowners and the future of the area.
Key points
- Israeli authorities seize 26.473 dunams of land in Ramallah area for colonial axis.
- The seized land includes 5.891 dunams classified as "state land".
- The new colonial axis aims to connect settlements and outposts in the West Bank.
