Netanyahu approves 34 new West Bank settlements

The Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans for 34 new Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank, which are illegal under international law, it was reported on the 9th. According to Peace Now, an Israeli settlement watchdog group, the Israeli cabinet approved these construction plans on the outskirts of the West Bank's mountainous region on the 1st. The decision to approve the settlements was made while the international community's attention was focused on the war with Iran, and reports were reportedly limited due to censorship by Israeli military authorities before being revealed on the 9th.

Far-right figures within Benjamin Netanyahu's government have shown an intention to block the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank through this settlement expansion. Currently, approximately 3 million Palestinian residents and 500,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank.

Coupled with the decision to expand settlements, attacks by settlers on Palestinian civilians are surging to dangerous levels. In particular, since the war with Iran began on February 28th, the number of attacks, including arson, beatings, and vandalism, has sharply increased. According to a UN report, at least 700 Palestinian residents have been displaced from their homes due to violence by Jewish settlers from early last year until February.