WEST BANK, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Jewish settlers established a new settlement outpost on Friday on land belonging to the towns of Silwad and Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah, in another move to expand settlements and seize additional Palestinian land.
Local sources reported that settlers erected a tent and began establishing the new outpost near the entrance to Deir Jarir under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, which provided security for the settlers as they carried out work in the area.
The sources said the new outpost is located near the entrance of Deir Jarir, raising concerns among residents that it could expand in the coming period and take over additional areas of Palestinian-owned land.
The Silwad Municipality said the new outpost is the fifth established by settlers on the town’s land, reflecting an escalation in settlement activity and the growing threat to agricultural land and Palestinians’ freedom of movement.
Areas east of Ramallah have witnessed an increase in the establishment of settlement outposts and settler attacks, accompanied by protection from Israeli forces. Palestinians fear that these outposts could develop into permanent settlements and facilitate the seizure of additional land.
Meanwhile, Jewish settlers on Friday re-erected a tent in front of the homes of three Palestinian families in the Ras al-Ain area of Qusra in the northern occupied West Bank, where the families have been under siege for five consecutive days.
Eyewitnesses said settlers erected the tent again in front of the Palestinian homes before Israeli forces arrived and dismantled it.
It was the second time settlers had erected a tent in front of the same homes. Israeli forces dismantled it on Thursday, but settlers put it back up on Friday before the army removed it again.
Witnesses said settlers continue to surround the homes and restrict the movement of the families living there.
Israeli forces also remain deployed around the area, with military vehicles and soldiers continuing to enter and leave Qusra.
The developments came a day after hundreds of Jewish soldiers raided the town. Israeli forces informed the village council that their military operation in Qusra would continue until Sunday morning, claiming that its purpose was to dismantle a settlement outpost established by settlers.
On Thursday, Israeli forces took over 16 Palestinian homes and converted them into military posts.
According to witnesses, Israeli forces withdrew Friday morning from the Palestinian homes they had seized the previous day.
Since Sunday, three Palestinian families in the Ras al-Ain area have been under a siege imposed by dozens of settlers who erected a tent and temporary structures, blocked roads leading to the homes, obstructed the delivery of food, water and medicine, and cut water and electricity supplies.
Local reports indicate that settlers began attempting to seize the homes about four months ago. The families fear that the siege is intended to force them out of their homes and facilitate their takeover.
