Hamas condemned Israel’s plan to build 12.000 new homes in Jewish settlements on the West Bank, labeling the move a dangerous step that deepens the occupation of Palestinian territory. The statement came on Tuesday and directly targeted a recent agreement between the Israeli government and the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria.
The deal allocates 8 miliar shekel—approximately Rp35,2 triliun—to develop settlement infrastructure across the northern West Bank. According to the source, the arrangement involves constructing 12.000 units, a scale that Hamas says far exceeds any legitimate development need.
Hamas described the agreement as “kesepakatan berbahaya dan kriminal” between the extremist Zionist occupation government and the West Bank Settlement Council. The group argues the project is an escalation of Israel’s broader war in the West Bank, aimed at seizing land and forcing Palestinians from their homes.
Israeli settlements have long been a flashpoint in relations with the international community and the Palestinian Authority. The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2334 in December 2016, demanding a complete halt to settlement activity, yet Israel has consistently ignored the mandate.
Palestinians view each new settlement as a physical manifestation of occupation and a direct obstacle to peace. The continued expansion undermines trust in diplomatic efforts and reinforces a sense of injustice among residents of the occupied territories.
In a recent development, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the creation of 19 additional settlements across various West Bank regions in December 2025. This approval follows a pattern of incremental land grabs that have drawn condemnation from multiple UN bodies.
For Indonesia, which has long championed the Palestinian cause, the settlement expansion raises diplomatic concerns. Jakarta’s support for a two‑state solution means any unilateral changes to borders are watched closely, as they could destabilize a region already fraught with tension.
The financial scale of the project—8 miliar shekel—mirrors large‑scale infrastructure investments in Indonesia, such as the Jakarta‑Bandung high‑speed rail. While the Indonesian economy focuses on domestic development, the geopolitical ripple effects of such a massive settlement program can influence regional security and trade routes.
Hamas’s official statement emphasized that the deal is not merely a housing initiative but a strategic assault on Palestinian land. “It is a criminal act that threatens the very existence of our people,” the group warned, calling on the international community to act before the situation worsens.
Neighboring Arab states and the Arab League have historically condemned settlement growth, though reactions vary. Some Gulf nations, busy with internal reforms, have muted their criticism, while others continue to support Palestinian resistance through diplomatic channels.
Looking ahead, the approval of 19 new settlements suggests a likely acceleration of Israeli consolidation in the West Bank. Analysts predict increased pressure from the UN, possible sanctions, and heightened activism from civil society groups worldwide, including those in Indonesia.
Indonesian civil society can respond by strengthening advocacy networks, supporting cultural preservation projects in Palestine, and urging the government to take a firmer stance at regional forums. Public awareness campaigns about the human cost of settlement expansion can keep the issue in the national conversation.