Illegal Settlements Continues

According to the Israeli rights group Peace Now, Israel has published tenders for the construction of 1,761 illegal housing units for Israeli settlers in occupied east Jerusalem. In addition to the public announcement of the tenders, there are currently 740 houses already under construction in two illegal settlements and there are approximately 430,000 Israeli settlers residing illegally in the West Bank.

This are all illegal under international law.

The expansion plans come despite promises by the Israeli government to freeze all settlement growth. Once again the Isreali government has shown that its words and commitments are meaningless, and they have no intention of keeping to their word.

Land expropriation from Palestinian farmers for the building and enlargement of Israeli settlements has caused undue hardship and economic suffering for Palestinians. Israel has stolen thousands of dunams of land from the Palestinians. Israel forbids Palestinians to enter and use these lands, and uses the settlements to justify numerous violations of Palestinian rights, such as the right to housing, to earn a living, and freedom of movement.

The principal tool used to take control of land is to declare it state land. Other methods employed by Israel to take control of land include seizure for military needs, declaration of land as 'abandoned assets', and the expropriation of land for public needs.

Again, the world shy away. The US, the champion of 'freedom' sits quietly. 'The Lobby' influence are in play.