Israeli occupation authorities are planning to steal about 700 dunams (173 acres) for the expansion of a nearby illegal settlement in Qaryout Village, south of the West Bank city of Nablus, Wafa news agency reported yesterday.

Anti-Settlement Activist Bashar Sadiq said that the Israeli occupation distributed an aerial map of the land being targeted, located in “Area B” of the West Bank, which – under the Oslo Accords – is under Palestinian administration and Israeli security control.

The 700 dunams would be used for the expansion of the illegal settlement of Eli.

Occupation forces have recently forced Palestinian farmers out of the area, banning them from accessing their lands without military permits.

READ: Israel army lawyers say Jews should be allowed to buy private land in West Bank