On Tuesday, 23 December 2025, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry took to social media to blast Israel's recent decision to establish 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank as a 'dangerous step' 🤯
In a statement, the ministry accused Israel of extending 'the policies of apartheid', undermining the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and destroying 'any real prospect of stability'. It said the move is aimed at tightening control over Palestinian territory and blocking any hope for a future Palestinian state.
On Sunday, 21 December, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—known for his pro-settler stance—announced that the security cabinet had approved the 19 new settlements. This latest batch brings the total number of settlements legalized or approved over the past three years to 69.
These approvals have accelerated since the formation of Israel's current right-wing government, which opposes Palestinian statehood and supports expanding Israeli control over the territory. The moves have drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with most countries deeming West Bank settlements illegal under international law—a point disputed by Israel.
Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that settlement expansion continues to fuel tensions, impede access by Palestinians to their land and threaten the viability of a fully independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem were captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war, and the territories have remained under Israeli occupation ever since 🌍
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely: will settlement approvals derail the fragile prospects for peace, or will new diplomatic efforts emerge in 2026? Stay tuned for updates! 🔍
Reference(s):
Palestine says Israel's approval of new settlements 'dangerous step'
cgtn.com
