Israeli Cabinet Approves 19 New West Bank Settlements Amid Gaza Ceasefire Push

• The Israeli Cabinet approved a proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, announced by Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich.
• This approval includes two areas previously evacuated in 2005 and brings the total new settlements under the current government to 69.
• The move increases West Bank settlements by nearly 50%, from 141 in 2022 to 210, according to watchdog Peace Now.
• The decision comes as the US pushes for a Gaza ceasefire and a "pathway" to a Palestinian state, which these settlements aim to prevent.
• Palestinian groups condemned the move as "a dangerous escalation" and an attempt at "annexation, apartheid, and full Judaization of Palestinian land."

Why It Matters: Israel approves 19 new West Bank settlements, escalating tensions and hindering Palestinian state prospects.