Israeli military issues orders to seize Palestinian land and uproot trees near Bethlehem

Israeli authorities have issued four military orders affecting Palestinian land near Bethlehem, including land seizures and the removal of trees and vegetation. The orders place routes and sites under military control, with one route crossing agricultural terraces and linked to a planned tower; the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said the effects could extend beyond the areas directly affected.

The orders, issued on 28 October, cover 4.708 dunums in al-Khader and Arab al-Ta'amra for seizure, and 10.085 dunums in Nahalin for tree and vegetation removal. The commission also recorded 674 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers on Palestinian farmers and olive trees across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from 1 October to 6 November; more than three-quarters were attributed to settlers. Reported incidents included assaults, damage to a home, interference with olive harvesting, detentions and the seizure of farm vehicles.