هيئة مقاومة الجدار والاستيطان

Ramallah, March, 23, 2025: The head of the Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission (CWRC), Mu’ayyad Shaa’ban, declared that the occupying state has decided to designate a group of colonial neighborhoods affiliated with the colonies as separate colonies. This move represents a significant step that will further entrench settler colonialism in the Palestinian territories. Mr. Shaa’ban explained that the occupying state decided to transform 13 colonial neighborhoods linked to the colonies into recognized colonies, allowing them to receive all the privileges and services provided by the occupation government. This is a new step that aims to disrupt and fragment Palestinian geography. Mr. Shaa’ban pointed out that these neighborhoods include four in Ramallah Governorate, specifically near the so-called “Talmon” colony, and four others in Bethlehem Governorate. Additionally, two neighborhoods are located in Salfit Governorate. Meanwhile, one is in Nablus, one in Jericho, and one in Tubas.

Mr. Shaa’ban stated that many of these neighborhoods were established as illegal colonial outposts two decades ago. The occupying state subsequently transformed them into formal neighborhoods, in clear violation of international law and the global stance against the construction of colonial settlements. He also explained that, at that time, the occupying state avoided announcing the construction of new colonies, instead claiming that these neighborhoods were necessary to accommodate the natural growth of the colonizers. However, it has now become evident that the true intention of the occupying state is to expand these settlements, seize more land, and reduce the geographical contiguity between Palestinian villages and towns in the region.

Mr. Shaa’ban said that most of the thirteen colonial neighborhoods that the occupying state transformed into existing colonies have been classified as “colonies” in the commission's official lists as of colonies, not neighborhoods. This classification reveals the true intentions of the occupation regarding these areas, especially since they are geographically separate from the main colony and are expanding independently on Palestinian land.

Mr. Shaa’ban emphasized that the far-right fascist government, which declared from the very first day of its formation that colonies would be a top priority, has been actively implementing plans to control Palestinian territory.

Thus, the Israeli main intention is to annex these lands, to impose the Israeli sovereignty and to fragment Palestinian geography, all in blatant violation of international laws that criminalize such actions. In light of these developments, mr. Shaa’ban urged the international community to take decisive and effective action to hold the occupying state accountable for its violations and its disregard for international resolutions. He emphasized the importance of the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the status of occupation and colonial settlements, as well as Security Council Resolution No. 2334, which declares the illegality of settlements and the invalidity of their existence on the ground.

List of colonies and neighborhoods whose separation was approved by the occupation government: