Israeli Ministers Unveil Plans for New Settlements in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank

Israeli government ministers have announced plans to establish new settlements in Gaza and expand settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, drawing sharp criticism from the international community and further escalating tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the government intends to establish three new "Nahal" settlements in areas of northern Gaza that were once occupied by Israeli settlements before the 2005 disengagement. The proposed settlements would initially serve as military-agricultural outposts and could later develop into permanent civilian communities.

At the same time, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel's security cabinet had approved approximately 1.3 billion shekels (around US$430 million) to establish 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Additional funding has also been allocated for roads and infrastructure to support existing and future settlements.

The announcements come as Israeli forces continue military operations in Gaza. Military officials say Israeli troops now control roughly 65% of the territory, while humanitarian organisations have warned that the expanding military presence has displaced large numbers of civilians and worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis.

The settlement plans have been widely condemned by the United Nations, the European Union and many governments, which consider Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories to be illegal under international law. Israel rejects that legal interpretation, arguing that the territories' status is disputed and that settlement policy should be determined through negotiations.

The European Union reiterated its call for Israel to halt settlement expansion, warning that new construction, land appropriation and related measures threaten the viability of a future two-state solution.

Palestinian officials accused the Israeli government of accelerating de facto annexation of occupied territory and undermining prospects for peace. Human rights organisations also expressed concern that continued settlement expansion could increase violence, displacement and restrictions on Palestinian communities.

The latest announcement comes ahead of Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections, with settlement policy emerging as a key issue in domestic politics. Supporters argue that expanding settlements strengthens Israel's security and historical claims to the land, while critics say it deepens the conflict and further isolates Israel internationally.

If implemented, the proposed settlements would mark one of the most significant expansions of Israeli settlement activity in recent years, adding to growing international concern over the future of the occupied Palestinian territories and the prospects for a negotiated peace agreement.