The Balasan Initiative for Human Rights (BIHR) held an emergency diplomatic briefing on August 12th, 2024 to alert against the imminent threat of Israel’s annexation of Al-Makhrour Valley, part of a UNESCO world heritage site and the last green area left in the Bethlehem Governorate.
The briefing was attended by diplomatic representatives from the EU, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Chile, and South Africa. Mr. Xavier Abu Eid briefed the group on the latest Israeli measures to annex the Valley, as part of annexation policies targeting Western Bethlehem, including the planned establishment of a new settlement in the area, the expansion of existing settlements and the forcible displacement of Palestinians from their lands by armed settlers, protected by the Israeli army. Adv. Dalia Qumsieh recalled the illegality of Israeli annexation policies in Al-Makhrour Valley under international law, and the immediate need to act against such grave breaches and violations of international law under third states obligations.
The briefing included testimonies of members of the Kisiyeh family, who were forcibly displaced from their lands by Israeli settlers, as well as youth representatives from the Right to Movement Palestine, a community movement that is active in Al-Makhrour area.
To learn more about Al Makhrour Valley, read:
The BIHR’s Report: “Annexing the Land of Grapes and Vines: Case Study of Al Makhrour Valley”
The BIHR’s Update: “New Israeli Settlement Poses Imminent Threats on Bethlehem’s Last Remaining Green Areas”
The BIHR’s Update: “Urgent: Israeli Settlers Forcefully Evict Palestinians from their Lands in Al-Makhrour, the Last Green Area left in Bethlehem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site”