Israel Begins New Settlement Construction East of Hebron

Israeli forces, accompanied by settlers, have begun land clearing and construction to establish a new settlement on the lands of Al-Majd village, southwest of Hebron. Simultaneously, a settler road is being paved to connect the site to the "Negohot" settlement. Local sources reported that the work commenced on lands east of Al-Majd village, west of Dura town. The Israeli army and settlers initiated excavation and building activities for the new settlement, named "Majd," and to complete the settler road.

Yasser Al-Masharka, head of the Al-Majd Village Council, stated that the gradual seizure of the village's lands began on October 7, 2023. He noted that residents have since been denied access to large areas of their agricultural lands east of the village. Al-Masharka explained that over 2,000 dunams of land, including agricultural and grazing areas crucial for the livelihoods of many villagers, have been confiscated. He believes naming the settlement "Majd" is an attempt to seize the village's name along with its land.

Al-Masharka also indicated that the new settler road is over three kilometers long and links the new settlement to "Negohot" and a road leading to lands within Israel. He warned that the road construction and increased settlement activity threaten to block access to thousands of surrounding dunams of agricultural land, intensifying pressure on residents who rely on farming and herding.

These developments occur amidst ongoing settlement expansion across the West Bank, raising residents' fears of losing more agricultural and grazing land and facing restricted access, impacting their livelihoods and daily lives.