On Sunday evening, tense conditions were once again witnessed in the town of Kifl Haris, located near the Salfit area of the West Bank. According to local residents, several groups of Jewish settlers entered the town under heavy Israeli military protection.
These settlers carried out Talmudic rituals at Islamic religious sites present there. During this time, the Israeli army cordoned off the entire area, closed several roads, and imposed restrictions on the movement of the town’s residents to ensure that the settlers could carry out their activities without any obstruction.
This is not the first time.
Such incidents have occurred many times before in Kifl Haris. Each time, settlers target religious sites and arrive under military protection, which increases fear and tension among the local residents.
Second major development: decision to confiscate land
On the same day, another important decision came to light. Israeli forces decided to take control of about 8,950 square meters of land in the village of Al-Funduqomiya, located south of Jenin, for military use. This means that the local Palestinian residents will no longer have rights over that land.
Bigger picture: what is happening in the West Bank?
These incidents are not isolated, but part of a larger policy. According to media reports:
In 2025, more than 5,571 dunams of land were confiscated
94 orders were issued to take control of around 2,609 dunams
3 acquisition orders were issued for 1,731 dunams
1,231 dunams were declared as ‘state land’
In other words, control over land is gradually being expanded.
Impact on homes as well
Around 1,400 Palestinian structures were demolished in 2025
Of these, 258 were in Jerusalem
In 104 cases, people were forced to demolish their own homes
991 new demolition orders were also issued
This is having a direct impact on people’s housing and daily lives.
Major decision: ‘State Land’ policy
On February 8, the Israeli government made an important decision under which Palestinian land in Area ‘C’ of the West Bank can be declared as ‘state land’ and taken over. This has happened for the first time since 1967.
The objective is said to be to further strengthen control over the area.
International reaction
The United Nations says that the expansion of settlements in occupied territories is illegal. It weakens the prospects for a two-state solution. However, efforts to stop these activities over a long period of time have not been successful.
Conclusion (What should we understand?)
To put the entire situation in simple terms: on one side, there are incursions into religious sites and activities under military security; on the other, control is being increased through land confiscation, demolition of homes, and new regulations. All of this is directly affecting the daily lives of ordinary Palestinian people. Despite this, local residents continue trying to remain connected to their land and resist displacement.