Bethelehem sees increase in colony construction

Ramallah: The West Bank city of Bethlehem has seen a dramatic increase in illegal Israeli land confiscation, particularly the town of Al Khader which is now surrounded by seven colonies.

Massive land grabs of privately-owned Palestinian land has effectively made Al Khader residents prisoners on their own land, almost completely encircled by colonies. Palestinian farmers are unable to reach their own land to cultivate their crops. Nearly 70 per cent of Bethlehem is located in Area C which is under full Israeli administrative and security control. According to the Oslo Accords, the West Bank has been divided into three areas including Area A whih is under full Palestinian control and Area B which control is shared between Palestinians and Israelis.