Israel's Cabinet Approves 19 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number of settlements to 210, up from 141 in 2022, according to Peace Now, an anti-settlement watchdog group.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who proposed the move alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz, stated that the decision aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The newly approved settlements include the re-establishment of Kadim and Ganim, two settlements dismantled in 2005 during Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Internationally, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law. The United Nations has reported that settlement expansion has reached its highest level since 2017.

The approval comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and establish a pathway to Palestinian statehood.

In recent months, there has been a surge in violence in the occupied West Bank, with increased attacks by settlers against Palestinians, including assaults during the olive harvest and vandalism of property and religious sites.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that two Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed in clashes with Israeli forces in the northern West Bank.

In Gaza, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, celebrated a pre-Christmas Mass at the Holy Family Parish, which continues to serve as a refuge amid the ongoing conflict.