Israel Authorizes 22 New Settlements in West Bank Amid Gaza War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank while overnight airstrikes on Gaza killed 13 Palestinians, officials said Thursday. The move deepens tensions as Israel faces global pressure over its war with Hamas and expansion in disputed territories.
West Bank Settlements and Gaza Strikes Quick Look
- Israel legalizes 22 new settlements in West Bank
- At least 13 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
- Global community views settlements as illegal under international law
- Defense Minister calls move a “crushing response” to terrorism
- Israeli expansion makes Palestinian statehood increasingly difficult
- Gaza war death toll now exceeds 54,000, mostly women and children
- Airstrikes hit Gaza City, Jabaliya, and central refugee camps
- Top UN court previously ruled Israeli occupation unlawful
Israel Authorizes 22 New Settlements in West Bank Amid Gaza War
Deep Look
Israel Sanctions 22 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank
In a move expected to escalate already high tensions, Israel announced Thursday that it will legalize 22 Jewish settlements across the occupied West Bank. Some of the outposts receiving legal status were built without prior government approval.
Defense Minister Israel Katz framed the decision as a strategic necessity.
“This anchors our historical right in the Land of Israel and prevents a Palestinian state that would endanger us,” he said.
This comes as Israel continues to assert sovereignty over territories captured during the 1967 Six-Day War — including Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank — areas the Palestinians consider essential for a future independent state.
Over 500,000 Israeli settlers already live in the West Bank alongside 3 million Palestinians. The settlements vary from modest outposts to large towns with schools, shopping centers, and highways.
Overnight Airstrikes on Gaza Kill 13 Civilians
While attention focused on the West Bank, Israel intensified its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Local health officials said 13 people died overnight in a series of airstrikes:
- A Gaza City car was struck, killing four
- A Jabaliya home strike killed eight, including two women and three children
- A refugee camp in central Gaza saw one death and 18 injuries
The Israeli military offered no immediate comment but has stated it targets only Hamas militants and blames civilian casualties on Hamas for operating within populated areas.
The Gaza war began after Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israeli offensives have since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Global Outcry and Legal Challenges
The expansion of settlements was met with international condemnation. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already ruled Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories unlawful and called for an immediate halt to all settlement activity — a ruling Israel dismissed.
Calls to Resettle Gaza
Though Israel withdrew its settlers from Gaza in 2005, members of the current government have called for re-establishing settlements there and encouraging “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians — proposals human rights experts warn could breach international law.
Environmental researcher Yaakov Garb estimates Israel now controls more than 70% of Gaza, particularly areas along the border and the nearly evacuated southern city of Rafah.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.