Human rights activists explained that land declared state land is no longer considered by the Israeli authorities to be the private property of Palestinians. They cannot use it.
Israel's State Property Authority on June 25 declared a 1,270-hectare plot of land in the West Bank "state land," marking the largest single area of Palestinian territory recognized as Israeli state land in 30 years, Israeli human rights organization Shalom Ahshav (Peace Now) reported. It monitors Israel's settlement activity in the West Bank.
Since the beginning of this year, Israel has declared 2,37,000 hectares in the West Bank as state land, the rights group said.
"Shalom Akhshav" added that the practice of declaring land as state land is one of the main methods by which Israel seeks to assert control over plots in the occupied territories.
The decision was made on June 25, but was not officially published until July 3.
Human rights activists explained that land declared state land is no longer considered by the Israeli authorities to be the private property of Palestinians. They cannot use it. Israel also leases state land exclusively to Israelis.
The organization noted that a substantial part of this 1,270 hectare area was previously designated as a nature reserve and fire zone for military use. Recognition of the state land completes the process of its "Israeli takeover".
Earlier it was reported that Iran and Arab countries will support Hezbollah in the war with Israel.