Bethlehem: Israeli occupation authorities have seized 57.79 dunams of Palestinian land in the Bethlehem Governorate, targeting areas in Al-Khader, Artas, Bethlehem, and Beit Ummar in the Hebron Governorate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported that the seizure was executed through a "military order for military purposes, numbered (T/3/25)." This measure aims to establish a buffer zone around the Efrat colony, which is constructed on Palestinian land in the governorate.
The commission highlighted that Israel has issued a series of military orders to create a total of 14 buffer zones around various colonies. These zones serve to restrict citizens' access to large areas, potentially leading to permanent control of these lands by the Israeli authorities.
Additionally, the commission pointed out that the Israeli Land Authority released two significant construction tenders last February. These tenders plan for the construction of 974 new colonial units, intending to develop a new colonial neighborhood linked to the Efrat colony. The commission had previously raised concerns about this development.
Recent maps from the military order reveal that the intended buffer zone around the Efrat colony also encircles the proposed neighborhood. Furthermore, it includes two colonial outposts that have been converted into neighborhoods north of the colony: Givat Hadagan and Givat Hatamar.
