The ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem poses a significant threat to the viability of a two-state solution. By creating irreversible facts on the ground, these settlements undermine the possibility of a contiguous and independent Palestinian state. A recent surge in Israeli settlement activity has further accelerated this trend. Between October 7, 2023, and October 20, 2024, the Jerusalem Center for Human Rights (JCHR) documented more than 19 settlement expansion projects that were initiated in East Jerusalem. These projects involve the construction of new housing units, commercial and industrial complexes, and infrastructure development. This rapid expansion, unprecedented in recent years, demonstrates a clear intent to solidify Israel's control over the occupied territory. The implications of this expansion are far-reaching. The construction of new settlements fragments Palestinian towns and villages, isolates Palestinian communities, and limits their access to essential services. Additionally, the expansion of settlements can lead to the displacement of Palestinian families, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
This report provides a detailed overview of the rapid settlement expansion in East Jerusalem over the past year, focusing on 19 settlement projects proposed and approved since October 7, 2023. It also provides a critical analysis of these projects and their impact on Palestinians and the broader political context. These projects demonstrate a clear and systematic strategy by Israeli authorities to consolidate control over East Jerusalem and reshape its demographic and geographic realities. The report also highlights the implications of these expansions on Palestinian neighborhoods, urban connectivity, and the prospects for a viable two-state solution. Each settlement project is meticulously documented, with details on its scope, location, and impact. Notable projects include the Lower Canal settlement, the expansion of the French Hill and Gilo settlements, and the establishment of a U.S. diplomatic complex on Palestinian land in Jabal al-Mukaber. The report also analyzes the legal and political implications of these developments in the context of international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention. It features multiple maps illustrating the settlement projects and their geographical context, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
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