What are Israeli settlements and why are they illegal under international law?
Published date: 16 August 2024 14:10 BST
|
Last update: 1 month 2 weeks ago
In 1977, 11,000 Israelis lived in settlements in occupied territories.
Today more than 700,000 settlers – 10 percent of Israel’s 7 million Jewish population – now live in 150 illegal settlements and 128 outposts dotting the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Activists and legal specialists have argued that settlements are a major obstacle to the peace process, fragmenting the occupied West Bank and causing profound hardship in Palestinian life.
And yet settlements, backed by the Israeli government, continue to expand. So what exactly are they?
Today more than 700,000 settlers – 10 percent of Israel’s 7 million Jewish population – now live in 150 illegal settlements and 128 outposts dotting the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Activists and legal specialists have argued that settlements are a major obstacle to the peace process, fragmenting the occupied West Bank and causing profound hardship in Palestinian life.
And yet settlements, backed by the Israeli government, continue to expand. So what exactly are they?
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.