Occupation authorities seize large tract of land from Nablus-governorate villages

NABLUS: Israeli occupation authorities today seized a large tract of land from the villages of Qabalan and Beita, south of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, according to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission. The Commission said in a statement that the occupation authorities took over 65 donums belonging to the two villages under the pretext of being declared 'state land' to pave the way for legalizing the colonial outpost of Givat Eviatar, established atop Jabal Sbeih, following the Israeli cabinet's decision to 'legalize' five new colonial outposts about two weeks ago, including Givat Eviatar. It added that the land grab decision runs counter earlier decisions of Israel, the occupying power, which more than once recognized the Palestinians' right of ownership to the land of Jabal Sbeih, and violates all laws and legislation that criminalize settler-colonialism. It pledged that it would continue, along with all legal partners, its battle to thwart the occupation's schemes to take over Pales tinian territory. During the time from 1 January to 30 June 2024, the occupation authorities examined 83 master plans to expand existing colonies or establish new ones, including 39 master plans for West Bank colonies and 44 others for colonies in occupied Jerusalem. During the same period, colonists established 17 colonial outposts on Palestinians' lands, mostly pastoral, in the governorates of Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nablus, Salfit, Bethlehem, Hebron and Qalqilya, while simultaneously the occupation authorities legalized 11 colonial outposts. Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA