Israel approves 1,300 new settlements in occupied Jerusalem

Israel’s Channel 14 reported that these units will be constructed south of the settlement of Alon Shvut, along with schools, public buildings, parks, and a large commercial area expected to serve the surrounding settlements. This is the largest construction project in the area in recent times.

Meanwhile, the governorate of occupied Jerusalem announced that the occupying authorities issued 30 demolition and work-stoppage orders for Palestinian homes in Issawiya and Al-Zaim, in eastern occupied Jerusalem.

Separately, local sources reported early this morning a widespread raid by Israeli forces in various areas of the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.

According to Palestinian sources, in the early hours of today, the occupying forces attacked the city of Awarta in the south and the Aida refugee camp in the north of Bethlehem.

During these raids, Israeli soldiers entered Palestinian homes, arresting a young Palestinian inside his workplace in occupied Jerusalem and subjecting him to severe beatings.

Israeli forces also began searching Palestinian homes and harassing residents during a raid on the city of Nablus.

Palestinian sources also reported that Israeli soldiers raided the Askar refugee camp in eastern Nablus and arrested a Palestinian journalist named Musab Qafeesheh after raiding his home in Hebron.

During attacks on different areas of Nablus, Israeli forces used sound bombs and tear gas against Palestinians, injuring several in the process.

The approval of the new housing units in occupied Jerusalem comes while Israeli media reported last Wednesday that the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) approved a preliminary plan to “apply sovereignty” over the West Bank.