Keywords: Settlements


Morocco declares 62 cities free of slums under housing program

Morocco has declared 62 cities and urban centers free of slums as part of a long-running national housing policy aimed at improving living conditions for low-income households. Officials said the progress reflects sustained intervention in informal settlements and expanded public housing efforts across......

Ben Gvir sparks controversy with remarks about settlement plans in southern Lebanon

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir triggered strong reactions after referring to what he described as a “settlement plan” concerning southern Lebanon during a public speech in Jerusalem. The comments were made during events linked to Jerusalem Day, an annual Israeli commemoration......

UN reports over 6,000 housing units approved in West Bank settlements

A UN report briefed to the Security Council on March 24 revealed continued high levels of Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Planning authorities advanced or approved more than 6,000 housing units over three and a half months. Eight Council members issued a joint......

Israel authorizes land registration in occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967

Israel has approved the opening of a land registration process in the occupied West Bank, marking a historic first since the 1967 war, according to reports from public radio KAN and several Israeli media outlets. The decision has been met with strong condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, which......

China-led digital currency network hits $55 billion in transactions

The China-led mBridge digital currency platform has processed over $55 billion in cross-border transactions, according to a fresh Atlantic Council report. This marks a 2,500-fold increase in volume since the project's 2022 launch, highlighting surging momentum for alternatives to dollar-dependent......

Israel approves creation of 19 new settlements in the West Bank

Israeli authorities have approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a decision that is likely to further heighten tensions in the region and draw international criticism. According to official statements, the approval brings the total number of settlements authorized......

Major west bank settlement project sparks global condemnation

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the acceleration of a major settlement project in the West Bank, aiming to build 3,400 housing units in the E1 area and formally annex the occupied Palestinian territory. The announcement has drawn strong international criticism. Smotrich, a far-right......

Israel announces 22 new settlements in the West Bank

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Thursday the establishment of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank a move he described as "historic." However, this decision is likely to deepen existing tensions between Israel and parts of the international community. Smotrich,......

Israeli figure nominated for Nobel Peace Prize despite controversial legacy

In a surprising development, Israeli academics have nominated Daniella Weiss, a leading figure in the promotion of illegal settlements in Palestinian territories, for the prestigious 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This nomination has sparked widespread backlash and incredulity in the international community. The......