Palestinian activists have erected a makeshift outpost on the contested area of land between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, known as E-1.
Some 200 Palestinians from across the West Bank, supported by foreign activists, erected about 20 tents on hilltops in a move that appeared to take Israeli authorities by surprise.
A month ago Israel controversially announced plans to develop the area in response to the UN voting to upgrade the status of the Palestinian Authority.
Palestinians claim that development of E-1 will split the West Bank, torpedoing plans for a contiguous Palestinian state. Israeli officials deny these claims.
Spokeswoman for the Popular Struggle Co-ordination Committee Abir Kopty said the group would stay at the site for a long time. “We are willing to stay here until we ensure the right of the [Palestinian] owners to build on their lands.”
Israeli authorities issued an eviction order, but the activists obtained a six-day high court injunction.
Following the December decision to approve E-1 construction, 3,000 homes were to be built. But prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered the plans not to be forwarded to the zoning committee.
