Recent developments have brought to light the concerning rise of pastoral outposts in the West Bank, which are emerging as a significant challenge for the region's future. These outposts, established under the protection of occupation forces, are causing distressing consequences for Palestinian communities and further complicating the peace process.

Salah Khawaja, an expert in settlement affairs, highlights the gravity of this issue, stating that over the past three years, more than 84 outposts have sprung up across the West Bank, controlling approximately 7-8% of Area C. This area exceeds the combined land coverage of all settlements established since 1967.

The widespread nature of these outposts is particularly alarming, stretching from the northeastern region of Nablus to the southern city of Hebron. They act as a de facto border wall, separating Palestinian towns and villages from their natural extensions, especially in the eastern slopes and the Jordan Valley, which make up 28% of the West Bank lands.

Khawaja warns that these pastoral outposts pose a severe threat to the territory, representing the most extensive land-seizing operation since the construction of the apartheid wall, which consumed 18% of the West Bank's lands. Furthermore, they also exert control over vital water sources, as most outposts are strategically positioned near springs.

The impact of these outposts is far-reaching, affecting the economic livelihoods of Palestinian communities, particularly Bedouin groups, who rely on livestock breeding. The ongoing displacement and besieging of Bedouin communities have led to a decrease in livestock numbers and deepening hardships.

Jamal Jumaa, coordinator of the National Campaign to Resist Settlements, emphasizes that the primary purpose of these pastoral outposts is to displace Palestinian communities and seize extensive areas of land. So far, 89 outposts have been established, controlling 8% of Area C. This aggressive land takeover has resulted in the displacement of 8 Bedouin communities from the Jordan Valley and the eastern slopes, notably in the area east of Ramallah.

Jumaa condemns the settlers' hostile actions against shepherds and Bedouin communities, asserting that these outposts function as a tool to pressure and harass Palestinians until they leave voluntarily. He reveals that these outposts form a part of a larger plan to evacuate Area C and facilitate its annexation to the Israeli entity, manifesting in accelerated demolitions of communities and homes.

Moreover, Jumaa warns that the Israeli occupation government has announced its intention to dissolve the Civil Administration, transferring its powers to the Ministry of Finance. This move is seen as an indication of an imminent official annexation process, with the occupation rapidly preparing significant infrastructure, including the construction of major road networks and the return to settlements previously evacuated in 2005.