On Sunday, Israeli authorities announced the approval of the construction of 19 settlements in the West Bank, a decision aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. This raises the total number of settlements approved in the last three years to 69. The measure comes amid an intensification of settlement activity, especially following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The office of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a supporter of the annexation of the West Bank, stated that these settlements are located in strategic areas.
The UN has condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements, highlighting the negative impact on the viability of a Palestinian state. Additionally, violence from settlers has increased, and the toll of Palestinian casualties has risen significantly following Israeli actions. The new settlements provoke international outrage, being seen as a threat to peace in the region.