Gush Etzion

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been characterized by complex territorial disputes, and one area of contention is the establishment of Israeli settler settlements in the West Bank. Gush Etzion, a cluster of settlements located south of Occupied Jerusalem, has been a focal point of this controversy. This article aims to shed light on the issue by examining the legality of the settlements in Gush Etzion and providing a comprehensive list of the settlements deemed illegal under international law.

The establishment of Israeli settler settlements in the West Bank, including Gush Etzion, is highly controversial. The international community, including the United Nations, views the Israeli settler settlements as a violation of international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its civilian population into the territory it occupies.

List of Illegal Settlements in Gush Etzion

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Efrat: Established in 1983, Efrat is one of the largest settlements in Gush Etzion. It is built on land that is internationally recognized as occupied Palestinian territory and is considered illegal under international law.

Alon Shvut: Founded in 1970, Alon Shvut is another prominent settlement in Gush Etzion. Like Efrat, it is considered illegal under international law due to its location on occupied Palestinian land.

Bat Ayin: Established in 1989, Bat Ayin is a smaller settlement in Gush Etzion. It is also considered illegal under international law.

Karmei Tzur: Founded in 1984, Karmei Tzur is an illegal settlement situated in Gush Etzion.

Neve Daniel: Established in 1982, Neve Daniel is considered illegal under international law due to its location on occupied Palestinian land.

Rosh Tzurim: Founded in 1969, Rosh Tzurim is an illegal settlement within the Gush Etzion bloc.

Elazar: Established in 1975, Elazar is considered illegal under international law as it is built on occupied Palestinian territory.

Migdal Oz: Founded in 1977, Migdal Oz is an illegal settlement in Gush Etzion.

The issue of Israeli settler settlements in Gush Etzion remains a contentious subject in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community widely considers them illegal under international law. The establishment and expansion of these settlements have been an obstacle to peace negotiations, as they create complications for the creation of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state. The list provided above encompasses some of the settlements in Gush Etzion deemed illegal, serving as a reference to understand the scope of the issue. Ultimately, a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must address the issue of settlements to achieve a just and lasting peace.