Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli land confiscation near occupied Jerusalem

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned Israel's decision to confiscate 110 dunams (27 acres) of land surrounding Nabi Samuel village and Beit Iksa in northwestern occupied Jerusalem, describing the measure as part of a broader campaign to "Judaize" the city and sever it from its Palestinian surroundings.

Archaeological pretext for confiscation

The Jerusalem Governorate warned that the historic Nabi Samuel Mosque is facing one of the most dangerous phases of "Judaization" after Israeli authorities moved to seize land surrounding the village and mosque under the pretext of developing an archaeological site. The governorate stated that the confiscation order affects 110 dunams from both Nabi Samuel and Beit Iksa, including areas immediately adjacent to the historic mosque.

'Colonial war' against Palestinians

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the seizure represents "an extension of a colonial war against the land, the people and the Palestinian narrative," reflecting systematic policies targeting Palestinian geography and demography. It added that Israel uses "public interest" and archaeological projects as a cover to legitimize land confiscation and reshape the area in support of settlement expansion. The ministry urged the international community and the United Nations to take practical and binding measures — including sanctions — to halt annexation policies and hold Israel accountable.

Decades of isolation

Israel demolished most homes in Nabi Samuel in 1971 and displaced residents under the pretext of protecting rare antiquities, according to the Jerusalem Governorate. Around 300 Palestinians currently remain in the village under harsh and isolated conditions after Israel declared the surrounding area a national park in 1995, confiscating thousands of dunams and effectively besieging the community.