Israel announces establishment of 11 new settlements in the West Bank

Israel has announced the creation of 11 new settlements in the occupied West Bank and is set to legalize eight existing outposts previously considered illegal under Israeli law. The move was approved by the security cabinet and proposed by far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Israel Katz. This action, which includes the re-legalization of two settlements dismantled in 2005, is considered illegal under international law and has been criticized for potentially undermining Gaza ceasefire efforts. A Palestinian Authority minister condemned the decision as a "dangerous escalation" and a challenge to international law, urging international involvement to stop the colonization process.