Peace Now is in the news for condemning Israel’s settlement expansion near Jerusalem and in the West Bank, fueling fears of a de facto annexation.
Israeli military raids and settler attacks in the West Bank have intensified, with multiple incidents including demolitions, arrests, and shootings. Tensions remain high as Israeli forces and settlers target Palestinian communities, amid ongoing settlement expansion and violence since October 2023. Today's date is Thu, 29 Jan 2026.
On February 16, 2026, Israel approved restarting land registration in Area C of the West Bank for the first time since 1967, enabling state registration of land and easing Jewish land purchases. The move, led by far-right ministers, is widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab states, and international bodies as de facto annexation and a violation of international law, intensifying tensions and threatening the two-state solution.
Israeli plans to build nearly 2,800 housing units near Jerusalem's northeast boundary aim to expand the city into the West Bank, sparking Palestinian condemnation and accusations of de facto annexation. The project, for ultra-Orthodox Jews, signals increased settlement activity and territorial claims, amid ongoing tensions and violence.
Israel's government secretly approved 34 new settlements in the West Bank, drawing international condemnation. The move, part of a broader settlement expansion since 2022, violates international law and has sparked protests and violence. The Palestinian leadership condemns the decision as illegal and a violation of their rights.
In the Netherlands, tiny-home villages like Minitopia are providing affordable housing options for divorced individuals and young adults. These communities are expanding as a practical solution to urban housing shortages, especially for those unable to access traditional markets. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, eviction disputes escalate over land claims, highlighting ongoing land conflicts.