Jerusalem Governorate warns of new settlement expansion plans

The Jerusalem Governorate has issued warnings regarding new settlement expansion plans in the southern regions of occupied Jerusalem. One plan involves the expansion of the Gilo settlement, which includes the construction of approximately 2,300 housing units across nearly 195 dunams. Officials state this move aims to isolate East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings, specifically cutting off geographic continuity between Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the southern West Bank.

Reports indicate that some lands targeted for the Gilo expansion were seized under the “Absentee Property Law,” involving areas historically used for agriculture in Beit Jala. Additionally, a new plan has been submitted for the “Nofei Rachel” settlement at the main entrance of the Umm Tuba neighborhood. This project proposes roughly 650 housing units on 27 dunams, positioned adjacent to Palestinian homes. The Governorate warns these developments restrict Palestinian urban growth and movement while consolidating control over the region.