Jerusalem, Feb 17 (V7N) – The Israeli government has issued a tender for the construction of nearly 1,000 illegal settler homes in the occupied West Bank, drawing strong criticism from rights groups.

According to a report by the Turkish news agency Anadolu, the plan includes 974 housing units in the Efrat settlement, a strategic location south of Bethlehem. The expansion is expected to increase the settlement’s population by about 40 percent, according to the Israeli watchdog group Peace Now.

Criticism from Rights Groups

Peace Now condemned the decision, accusing the Israeli government of exploiting the ongoing war to accelerate settlement expansion.

"While the Israeli people are focused on the release of hostages and an end to the war, the Netanyahu government is working ‘on steroids’ to establish information that destroys the chances of peace and reconciliation," the group stated.

Violation of International Law

The West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law, and their expansion has long been a source of tension between Israel and Palestine. The move also comes amid growing global pressure for de-escalation in the region following the Gaza ceasefire agreement on January 19, under which 1,135 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange for 19 Israeli hostages and five Thai workers.

The latest expansion is expected to further strain relations with the international community, particularly as peace efforts remain fragile amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.

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