Israeli settlers have begun constructing a new outpost near the Palestinian town of Anata, east of occupied Jerusalem, in yet another move to expand illegal settlement activity in the region.

According to local sources, the new outpost was established near the Bedouin communities of Abu Ghalia and Ar’ara. The El-Baidar Human Rights Organization’s General Coordinator, Hassan Melihat, stated that settlers had already laid the foundations for mobile homes, transferred construction equipment, and started infrastructure works in the area.

Melihat warned that the move threatens the livelihood and mobility of nearby Palestinian Bedouin communities. “This step is part of the occupation’s ongoing policy to expand its control over Palestinian lands in Jerusalem and its surroundings,” he said.

The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported in October that since October 7, 2023, Israeli planning bodies have reviewed 182 new construction plans for settlements, aiming to build more than 23,000 housing units. Around 6,300 of these have already been approved, with files prepared for an additional 17,000 units.

The report also highlighted that the Jerusalem area has become the main target of these plans, with 65 projects designed specifically for the city, while 22 plans each were prepared for the Salfit and Bethlehem areas.

Meanwhile, under the protection of occupation forces, settlers have established 29 illegal outposts across the occupied West Bank — 8 in Hebron, 6 in Ramallah, 4 in Bethlehem, and 3 in Nablus. Seven new bypass roads were also opened to connect these settlements.

The report further revealed that the occupation authorities have moved to “legalize” 11 of these outposts and are considering granting similar status to 9 others, effectively transforming them into official settlements. (ILKHA)