Israel Exploits Conflict for West Bank Settlement Expansion, Report Claims

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli authorities are allegedly exploiting the current conflict to further their settlement expansion plans in the West Bank and Jerusalem. This assertion comes as settler violence against Palestinian citizens has reportedly increased, leading to casualties.

Dawood, an official cited by Sputnik via Mehr News Agency, stated that settlers have used the prevailing conditions to advance their settlement building agendas. He noted that Israeli authorities have restricted the movement of Palestinian citizens by increasing checkpoints, leaving limited passage routes that have resulted in severe traffic congestion and impacted daily life, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

These measures reportedly occurred concurrently with the complete closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Dawood further emphasized that the occupying regime is using the current situation to complete settlement projects in the West Bank and Jerusalem, underscoring that all repressive measures persist. Demolition notices are allegedly being widely distributed, and field operations are being carried out, accompanied by brutal settler attacks and intense military actions.

Dawood also highlighted that the occupying authorities have issued over 10 orders to destroy thousands of Palestinian trees surrounding villages and towns during the conflict. This action is seen as evidence of efforts to push forward settlement development projects and eliminate Palestinian vegetation, which serves as a primary natural barrier against settlement expansion.

The report also references attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, which reportedly began on February 28th targeting locations including the capital and are ongoing.