Occupation allows wildcat settler units on occupied West Bank

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
8 Jul 2023 18:48

The Israeli cabinet alleges that though the transfer of the yeshiva might have been illegal, they claim that Palestinian farmers can now access their land where the old yeshiva was which is not the case.

The Palestinian village of Burqa is seen as an Israeli flag is placed in the occupied West Bank settlement of Homesh, January 17, 2022. (AP)

The Israeli Occupation's far-right cabinet responded to a petition by the so-called high court of justice on Friday, replying that Security Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the military to allow the illegal expansion at "Homesh" in the northern West Bank.

"Homesh" has been hosting a yeshiva where settlers moved a caravan onto an adjacent hilltop to operate it from there, and the IOF initially wanted to block the plan since it was being conducted without the required permits, but Gallant ordered the military to move aside.

The Israeli cabinet alleged that though the transfer of the yeshiva might have been illegal, Palestinian farmers can now access their land where the old yeshiva was. However, an IOF checkpoint established outside the settlement continues to prevent Palestinians from reaching their rightful lands.

The European Union back in May condemned "Israel" over an order allowing illegal Israeli settlers to establish a permanent presence in the illegal "Homesh" settlement.

It said it was gravely concerned by the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities to allow Israeli settlers to return to the evacuated illegal "Homesh" settlement outpost in the north of the occupied West Bank. The EU further stressed that it was appalled by settler violence against Palestinian civilians at Ein Samiya community near Ramallah, which forced the residents out of the area in fear for their lives and the lives of their children.

“The response amounts to the cabinet’s implementation of its policy of annexation and apartheid. As the political echelon cooperates with an act of criminality, the bureaucrats go out of their way to reward criminals and establish a permanent settlement on the lands of the [Palestinian] village of Burka while completely ignoring the property rights and security of the Palestinian landowners,” Yesh Din said.

Participants in a demonstration on Friday organized by Peace Now, an anti-settlement organization, arrived near the "Shavei Shomron" settlement after claiming to have informed the IOF ahead of time.

However, central command chief Yehuda Fox ruled on Friday that the protest is not approved, citing "security concerns".

Participants were then stopped by the IOF who handed them a military order signed by Fox, stating that the destination they were wanting to reach was temporarily declared a closed military zone.

Soldiers hurled stun grenades to disperse the protestors but ended up sparking a fire in the fields and burning crops.

Peace Now stated that they were “held back by the army with severe violence, while the violent criminals from the Homesh outpost who looted private lands and carry out atrocities against Palestinians are allowed to roam freely and receive VIP treatment.”