Israeli settlement bloc in the Judaean Mountains, south of Jerusalem
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
Activists have exposed brochures advertising homes in Israeli settlements during a London event. Campaigners and lawmakers are calling for a formal investigation into whether laws were breached, and for authorities to explain how the event proceeded amid weeks of criticism.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in London to condemn the Great Israeli Real Estate Event, which promotes property in the occupied West Bank. Police have arrested several demonstrators as activists call the event illegal under international law and urge the UK government to halt it.
The New Arab and Al Jazeera reports detail responses to Bezalel Smotrich’s move to revoke Hebron agreements, transferring planning and construction powers to Israeli authorities in the H2 zone. Palestinian officials condemn the action as a violation of international law, while settlements expansion and related violence intensify across the West Bank and Gaza.
Several sources report that more than 4,000 Israeli settlers have stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Tisha B’Av, with far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entering under heavy police protection. Palestinian officials say restrictions barred many worshippers; officials warn the move could threaten the status quo and spur regional tensions.