Ramallah: The West Bank city of Salfit scored a major victory on Thursday after it won a legal battle with Israel’s occupation authorities. An Israeli court ruled in favour of the Palestinian plaintiffs, forcing the government to give up 15 dunums of land it had confiscated.
Israeli armed forces issued an order to seize the land in the Burqeen area earlier this year. The governorate of Salfit, in collaboration with the Anti-Settlement and Anti-Segregation Barrier Association battled the military decision at Ofar Court and won, which was the first victory ever for Palestinians. Official documents were given to the court, proving ownership of the land. The government viewed the land as important as two nearby Israeli colony outposts were looking to expand.
Israeli occupation forces consistently seize Palestinian land in the West Bank, especially if the owners live abroad or if the land is not being cultivated. Israel also prohibits Palestinian construction and development on more than 70 per cent of Area C, in the Occupied West Bank. Israel has come under international criticism for its expansionist policies and the number of Israeli colonists in the West Bank has exponentially grown since the Oslo Accords were signed over 20 years ago.
