Ramallah, March 30, 2026: On the 50th anniversary of Land Day, the head of The Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission (CWRC) stated that this occasion underscores the profound connection between Palestinians and their land, which lies at the heart of both historical and political struggles. On this day in 1976, our people boldly defended their land and identity against the Israeli policies of confiscation and displacement, establishing this event as a powerful expression of collective resilience in our people's contemporary history.
Mr. Shaa’ban explained that this anniversary comes at a time of heightened complexity, where measures to control land and impose colonial realities are intensifying. These actions reproduce the same policies our people have confronted for decades, now executed with more systematic and organized strategies. Therefore, commemorating Land Day is not merely a historical reminder; it is a renewed political statement affirming our people's connection to their land and rights, their rejection of any attempts at erasure and Judaization, and their steadfast defense of their existence despite all challenges.
Mr. Shaa’ban emphasized that Land Day is a significant milestone in the ongoing policies aimed at controlling Palestinian land. This importance is highlighted by the expansion of colonies, land confiscation, and increasingly strict restrictions on construction and planning. These actions ultimately create facts on the ground that reshape geography and demographics to serve colonial objectives. What we are witnessing today is not a departure from the past but rather an extension of it, employing more complex methods. This reality requires a thorough analysis of these transformations and the development of resistance strategies that align with their evolving nature.
On the fiftieth anniversary, Shaa’ban affirmed, on behalf of our people, that the land will continue to be the focal point and essence of the struggle. All attempts to erase our identity or impose a fait accompli are destined to fail against the deeply rooted will to resist. We also reiterate our call to the international community to recognize its legal and moral responsibilities and take practical steps to halt the ongoing violations against the land and the Palestinian people, ensuring the protection of their legitimate rights, particularly their right to land, resources, and sovereignty.
42% of the West Bank is subject to colonial measures:
Mr. Shaa’ban explained that spatial data accumulated over the years indicate that approximately 61% of the West Bank falls within classified Area C. In these areas, the occupation authorities impose full security and civil control. Moreover, more than 70% of the lands in Area C are subject to colonial procedures and designations, including state lands, nature reserves, and military training areas. About 15% of the West Bank has been declared state lands, the majority of which are being deliberately allocated for colonial expansion.
Additionally, 18% of the total area of the West Bank has been designated as military training areas, which Palestinians are prohibited from entering, using, or reclaiming. In contrast, settlers are allowed to access these areas and establish outposts.
Data also show that the area controlled by colonial construction and settlements, along with their influence, accounts for approximately 12.4% of the total area of the West Bank. Colonial bypass roads further separate the Palestinian presence and connect the colonial sites, controlling more than 3% of the area. This reflects complete control over more than 42% of the West Bank, illustrating the gap between actual use and planning control that severely restricts Palestinian development. Such restrictions are part of a colonial intention aimed at eliminating any prospects for a future Palestinian state.
The data shows that the number of colonies and outposts in the West Bank has exceeded 542, which includes 350 outposts and 192 colonies, together housing over 780,000 colonizers. Meanwhile, the Israeli occupying authorities continue to issue military orders and master plans targeting thousands of dunams each year. In recent years, the approval rate for new colonies units has increased significantly, reaching tens of thousands. This expansion is accompanied by the construction of hundreds of kilometers of bypass roads, which reshape the geographic landscape and further isolate Palestinian communities. All of this is part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at solidifying control over the land and undermining any chance of establishing a geographically contiguous Palestinian state.
Systematic Targeting of Bedouin Communities through Terrorism and Displacement:
Mr. Shaa’ban explained that after October 7th, attacks by colonizers evolved from direct aggression into a strategic tool for reshaping the geography of the West Bank, particularly in areas where Bedouin and agricultural communities are concentrated. The increase in violence by armed colonizers, carried out with security and political support, has resulted in the displacement of at least 79 Palestinian Bedouin communities, either partially or completely. These communities, which vary in size and characteristics, include 814 families and more than 4,700 individuals. This represents one of the largest waves of forced displacement in a short period. This displacement should not be seen as an accidental result of chaos; rather, it is part of a systematic effort to empty strategic areas, especially in Area C and around colonial blocs, in preparation for their redevelopment as part of a colonial project.
Mr. Shaa’ban also noted that these events highlight a sophisticated form of colonial violence, where colonial militias are given the responsibility to carry out implicit governmental objectives. These militias took advantage of the ongoing conflict and international distractions to intensify their campaigns of expulsion and intimidation. As a result, they achieved outcomes on the ground that would have been challenging to reach through official channels. In this context, displacement serves as a means to reshape the geographical landscape by dismantling the Palestinian presence in rural and Bedouin areas, turning these regions into spaces suitable for settlement or annexation. This approach is part of a larger strategy aimed at imposing new demographic realities, which undermines any possibility of future territorial contiguity for Palestinians.
165 Colonial Outposts Established by Colonizers since October 7th:
Mr. Shaa’ban noted that data from the Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission (CWRC) indicates a significant increase in the establishment of colonial outposts following October 7th. More than 165 new outposts have been created, including 89 in 2025 alone. This reflects a shift towards a rapid and informal pattern of expansion driven by colonial militias on the ground. These outposts serve as tools to impose colonial realities, starting as limited colonial points that quickly evolve into centers for further growth, supported by military protection and infrastructure. This contributes to the control of vast areas of Palestinian land and the isolation of Palestinian communities, creating a situation that is difficult to reverse and is part of a strategy aimed at reshaping the geographical landscape of the West Bank.
Mr. Shaa’ban reported that the occupying power continues to try to suppress Palestinian construction and natural growth on Palestinian lands by issuing demolition orders and carrying out demolitions of Palestinian facilities. Since October 7th, more than 1,800 demolition orders have been issued, including 991 orders in 2025, which consist of both demolition and construction moratorium orders. 60% of these orders were concentrated in the governorates of Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jerusalem. Additionally, the Israeli occupying forces demolished 1,400 facilities in 2025 alone.
925 Military Checkpoints and Gates Surrounding Palestinian Territories:
Mr. Shaa’ban reported that the number of permanent and temporary checkpoints, such as gates, military barriers, or earth mounds that segregate Palestinian territories and restrict the movement of people and goods, has reached 925. These checkpoints and gates aim to create a parallel geographical space, with barriers that form boundaries between cantons and enclaves. This situation represents a disturbing manifestation of an apartheid and racial segregation system, which has intensified in recent months.
He highlighted that the annexation and expansion wall constructed by the occupying power in 2002 continues to isolate more than 295 square kilometers of Palestinian land. Shaa’ban pointed out that if the Israeli occupying power completes the planned sections of the wall, it will completely isolate 560 square kilometers, which accounts for nearly 9% of the total area of the West Bank. He noted that the economic and social impacts of the wall continue to be significant, affecting the lives of Palestinians and their access to their land.
Mr. Shaa’ban asserted that Land Day is not just a date to remember; it is a critical opportunity to rally and unify in the face of ongoing colonial aggression. The Palestinian community must stand resolute in their popular resistance, fiercely protecting their national assets against the relentless threats of occupation. He emphasized that this popular resistance is a powerful weapon against attempts to steal land, restrict Palestinian presence, and forcibly displace families from their homes. Furthermore, he called for urgent action to establish more nighttime protection committees in regions frequently attacked by violent colonizers. These committees are essential for defending the safety and dignity of our people, ensuring that we remain unwavering in our fight against injustice and oppression in our homeland.