Jerusalem Planning Committee Reviews Settlement Projects Amidst Palestinian Displacement and Demolitions
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee is considering two settlement projects: the Atarot plan, proposing 9,000 housing units on the former Jerusalem Airport site, and the Nahalat Shimon plan, which involves demolishing the Palestinian neighborhood of Um Haroun to build 316 housing units. These developments threaten Palestinian urban continuity and the viability of a two-state solution.
Concurrently, the Israeli government is advancing the 'Fabric of Life project' to connect Ma'ale Adumim with Jerusalem, facilitating annexation of West Bank land. A demolition campaign targets Palestinian homes, with eviction orders affecting 33 families in Silwan.
Settlement activities are escalating throughout the West Bank, with new settlements like 'Rehavam' announced and ongoing displacement operations affecting Bedouin communities and other Palestinian households. Reports indicate increased direct involvement of the Israeli army in these displacements, reflecting a shift in tactics to further control Palestinian areas.
