Israel’s government has given the green light for 5,295 new housing units in various illegal settlements throughout the occupied West Bank. Additionally, three new settlement outposts have been acknowledged in the Palestinian territory, as reported by the watchdog group Peace Now. The construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian land is a violation of international law and is viewed as a significant obstacle to the establishment of a potential Palestinian state in the future. The recent approvals are expected to escalate tensions, especially with increased Israeli military presence and settler activities in the West Bank amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Peace Now condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for their role in promoting settler expansion in the region. The NGO criticized the government's actions, stating that they will have long-lasting consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. Over 500,000 Israeli citizens reside in more than 100 settlements across the West Bank, hindering the transfer of control outlined in the Oslo Accords to the Palestinians. The newly approved settlements include Givat Hanan, Kedem Arava, and Machane Gadi in the Jordan Valley, which were previously unofficial outposts. The Higher Planning Council (HPC) in Israel justified the approvals by stating that the outposts were connected to existing settlements, despite physical separation. The latest settlements differ from others approved by the cabinet recently, indicating a continuous trend of settlement expansion. The recent actions by Israel have drawn criticism from Norway, with the foreign affairs minister calling them "totally unacceptable." Norway, along with Spain and Ireland, has formally recognized a Palestinian state, showing international solidarity towards Palestinian sovereignty. Both the US and Norway have vocalized their concerns over Israel's settlement activities, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the prospects of a two-state solution. The escalating violence and land seizures in the West Bank have further complicated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with casualties on both sides mounting. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and human rights abuses in the region. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, urging all parties to prioritize peace and stability in the midst of escalating tensions.