JERUSALEM, June 10, 2026 (WAFA) – A diplomatic delegation on Wednesday paid a solidarity visit to the Khan Al-Ahmar Bedouin community, east of occupied Jerusalem.
Dozens of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine along with Palestinian ministers toured the Bedouin community, which is under the imminent threat of forcible displacement, where they met with community members to learn about their living conditions.
The Palestinian ministerial delegation also visited the town of Abu Dis, and had meetings with heads and representatives of local councils and security agencies to first-hand witness the deteriorating living conditions due to Israeli occupation measures.
Barred from joining the visit, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ashraf al-Awar affirmed that Jerusalem will remain at the top of the government's priorities and that no effort would be spared to reinforce Palestinians’ steadfastness and address their needs.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to the residents of the governorate, reaffirming the Palestinian leadership’s appreciation for their steadfastness and attachment to their land and national identity.
The ministerial delegation listened to the demands of local authorities in Jerusalem Governorate, which included infrastructure development, support for education and essential services, strengthening the security sector, addressing water, health, transportation and traffic-related issues, and enabling municipalities to continue providing services.
On May 19, 2026, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that he had instructed authorities to begin procedures aimed at evacuating Khan Al-Ahmar, calling it “just the beginning” and linking the move to reports that senior Israeli officials may face additional legal action at the International Criminal Court.
The remarks came amid mounting reports that ICC prosecutors had sought secret arrest warrants against several Israeli officials, potentially broadening legal scrutiny beyond wartime conduct in Gaza to include settlement policies and actions in the occupied West Bank.
Located near the colonies of Ma’ale Adumim and Kfar Adumim, Khan al-Ahmar major strategic significance because it lies within the so-called E1 corridor linking Jerusalem-area settlements and geographically connects the northern and southern occupied West Bank.
Rights groups and international organizations have repeatedly warned that removing Khan Al-Ahmar could further fragment Palestinian territorial continuity.
K.F.
