Israel's controversial settlement plan: 627 homes between Jerusalem and Ramallah

Israel continues its policy of expanding illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, with a new tender issued for 627 housing units planned between Jerusalem and Ramallah. The Palestinian Governorate of Jerusalem announced that the Israeli administration has opened bids for these new, illegal units within the boundaries of the Kefr Akab area, north of Jerusalem.

The tender, published on August 6, pertains to a settlement plan covering 253 dunams (approximately 63 acres). This plan was initially approved in April 2025. The new housing is slated for construction in the "Kokhav Ya'akov" settlement, which is strategically located between the Palestinian cities of Jerusalem, Ramallah, and el-Bireh, all under Israeli occupation.

According to the Palestinian statement, Israel's intention with these 627 new homes is to expand the Kokhav Ya'akov settlement and strengthen its connection with surrounding settlements and road networks. This move is seen as a deliberate effort to deepen the physical separation of Jerusalem from Ramallah and el-Bire, further fragmenting Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian leadership has repeatedly urged the international community to pressure Israel to cease its settlement activities, which the United Nations deems illegal. Approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in the West Bank across 141 settlements and 224 unauthorized outposts. In East Jerusalem alone, around 250,000 Israeli settlers live on occupied Palestinian land.

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The occupying Israel has opened a tender for 627 new illegal housing units to be built within the boundaries of the Kefr Akab town, north of Jerusalem.