The Israeli occupation forces on Monday bulldozed vast tracts of Palestinian lands in Qalqilya in favor of the construction of 1200 new housing units in Karnei Shomron settlement.
Eyewitnesses said that the Palestinian farmers in Kafr Laqif and Jinsafut villages east of Qalqilya have lost their most fertile lands in favor of the new expansion project.
Anti-settlement researcher Khaled Ma’ali said that Karnei Shomron was established in 1978 on Palestinian-owned lands in Kafr Laqif Jinsafut and Deir Istiya in Wadi Qana area. It has been expanded several times seizing more lands in Qalqilya.
Ma’ali said that Israel is working toward a complete control of Wadi Qana. Israel first announced the area a nature reserve then built eight settlements on its outskirts. He noted that the settlements are expanded on a regular basis.
The Palestinian researcher stressed that Israel is violating international humanitarian law since settlements are considered a war crime under the Hague Convention and the United Nations Security Resolution 2334.
