E1 up close: The settlement plan that could split the West Bank in two
After years of delays and international pressure, Israel is advancing E1 construction east of Jerusalem, a plan critics say would split the West Bank and doom Palestinian statehood; sanctions and warnings of a binational or apartheid state have followed
Israeli settlers have begun regular, unauthorized hikes through the West Bank village of Qira, a small and peaceful community nestled in the Salfit governorate. This intrusion into the village marks a troubling trend, as these hikes are seen as a precursor to territorial expansion by the settlers. One settler leader has even stated that wherever their footsteps lead, the border will follow.
The escalating situation in Qira echoes events in the nearby village of Tell, where four Palestinians were tragically killed in July following a confrontation sparked by an armed settler hike. In the aftermath, settlers descended upon nearby villages, setting homes ablaze.
For decades, Qira had remained largely untouched by the violent land grabs and aggressive incursions that have plagued other Palestinian communities under occupation. However, the recent surge in unauthorized settler expeditions threatens to change that. As the situation in Qira unfolds, the village's long-established sanctuary status appears to be coming to an end.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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