الأراضي المقدسة الخضراء / GHLands
Palestinians in the village of Aaba and neighboring communities east of Jenin are increasingly concerned following the Israeli military's establishment of a new military camp on recently confiscated agricultural land. Residents fear the move could bring significant changes affecting their daily lives and economic stability.
The military site is being constructed on approximately 22 dunums of land owned by residents of Qabatiya, along a key road linking the eastern villages to the city of Jenin. Israeli authorities issued a military confiscation order for the land in May before beginning infrastructure and construction works at the site.
Residents say their concerns extend beyond the loss of the confiscated land itself. They fear additional restrictions on movement and access to agricultural lands and local economic projects throughout the area.
Among those affected are owners of agricultural and tourism-related businesses located near the camp. Israeli forces recently seized a newly built vacation home in the area and converted it into a temporary military outpost.
The owners said the property had been developed through substantial investments and was scheduled to receive visitors during the summer season. However, the military takeover prevented the project from becoming operational. They also expressed concern that a continued military presence could discourage visitors from coming to the area, undermining the project's economic viability.
The area surrounding the site includes dozens of greenhouses, grazing lands, and olive groves that serve as a primary source of income for local residents, further heightening concerns about the future of agricultural activity near the camp.
Concerns Over Restricted Access to Farmland
Local officials warn that the impact of the military camp may extend well beyond the confiscated land, potentially affecting broader agricultural areas nearby. Farmers fear that security restrictions could prevent them from reaching or cultivating their lands as they normally would.
Livestock breeders who rely on nearby grazing areas are also expected to be affected if access to these lands is restricted, forcing them to purchase additional feed and increasing financial burdens on rural families.
Impact on Movement and Transportation
Residents report that the establishment of the military camp has been accompanied by tighter military measures on surrounding roads, including the installation of temporary checkpoints and restrictions on vehicle movement.
According to local residents, these measures have forced many people to use longer alternative routes to reach Jenin, resulting in higher transportation costs and longer travel times for workers, students, and patients who depend on the road daily.
Signs of Renewed Settlement Expansion
Experts on settlement affairs believe the new military camp is part of broader developments taking place across Jenin Governorate, including the establishment of additional military sites and infrastructure projects that could support future settlement expansion.
Observers warn that these measures may pave the way for renewed activity in the evacuated settlements of Ganim and Kadim, alongside a strengthened military presence throughout the area.
Experts further stress that the continuation of such policies could directly affect agriculture, grazing activities, and freedom of movement, creating a new reality for Palestinian communities surrounding Jenin.
Figures Reflect the Scale of Escalation
According to data released by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Israeli forces issued four military orders during May 2026 targeting approximately 393 dunums of land in Jenin Governorate, three of which were designated for the establishment of new military sites and facilities.
These developments come amid a broader escalation of settlement and military activities across the West Bank since October 2023. Palestinian institutions have documented thousands of violations, including land confiscations and attacks carried out by Israeli forces and settlers, contributing to the displacement of Palestinian communities and the expansion of control over large areas of land.
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