Written By Lisa Murimi
The village of Battir, known for its ancient terraces irrigated by natural springs and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing conflict over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The village, famous for its olive groves and vineyards, is facing new challenges as Israel has approved a Jewish settlement on privately owned land in Battir, further escalating tensions.
Ghassan Olyan, a local resident whose land has been seized, expressed his frustration: “They are stealing our land to build their dreams on our catastrophe.”
The move has drawn concern from UNESCO, which is worried about the impact of settlement expansion on the heritage site.
The situation in Battir is part of a broader trend, with the Israeli government announcing plans for five new settlements in the West Bank.
Settlement growth has accelerated since the outbreak of the Gaza war, with extremist settlers increasingly taking matters into their own hands.
Despite international condemnation, Israel continues to defend its actions, claiming a historical and religious right to the land.
As settlement expansion continues, the possibility of achieving a two-state solution becomes ever more remote, raising concerns about the long-term prospects for peace in the region.
