Mo’in Sha’ban, the head of the Wall & Colonization Resistance Commission, reported that Israeli occupation authorities have illegally seized more than 52,000 dunams of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. This land seizure is part of their colonial expansion plans and efforts to displace residents since October 7, 2023.
Sha’ban’s statements came during his visit to the Jenin Governorate on Sunday, where he met with Governor Kamal Abu Ar-Rob at the governorate’s headquarters, alongside several officials and local figures.
Governor Abu Ar-Rob commended the efforts of the Wall & Colonization Resistance Commission on both legal and grassroots levels in confronting Israeli assaults and supporting the resilience of citizens in areas threatened by land seizures.
He provided an overview of the conditions in villages facing increased assaults by illegal paramilitary colonists and occupation soldiers, which target farmers and their properties.
Minister Sha’ban highlighted the ongoing demolitions and forced displacements, especially in Bedouin communities.
He also noted the expansion of military checkpoints and the installation of iron gates in various areas, blocking streets and communities.
Sha’ban affirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting citizens and farmers, including assistance during the olive harvest season and reinforcing their presence in areas adjacent to illegal colonies.
During his visit to the governorate, Minister Sha’ban, accompanied by Governor Abu Ar-Rob, toured the village of Jalbun, east of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank’s northern part.
They met with several residents and heard about their daily suffering due to Israeli assaults, by the soldiers and the illegal paramilitary colonizers, including the conversion of some homes into military centers and the encroachment of illegal colonies on their lands.
They also met with families affected by home and agricultural structure demolitions, assuring them of the Commission’s support to alleviate their suffering.
All of Israel’s colonies in the occupied West Bank, including those in and around occupied East Jerusalem, are illegal under International Law, the Fourth Geneva Convention in addition to various United Nations and Security Council resolutions. They also constitute war crimes under International Law.
Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that the occupying power [Israel] is forbidden from transferring any part of its civilian population onto the land on which it occupies [Palestine].
