التخطيط الاقليمي لِمحافظة سلفيت في ظل عدم وجود الاستيطان
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Date
2025
Authors
ثراء شقير
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Abstract
This project aims to develop a comprehensive regional master plan for the Salfit Governorate under the scenario of the complete absence of Israeli settlements. It presents an alternative vision that outlines a sustainable and independent Palestinian future, addressing current challenges and paving the way for inclusive development. The significance of this project stems from Salfit’s unique geographic and strategic location, as it is one of the most affected areas by Israeli settlement expansion in terms of density and spatial fragmentation. Additionally, the governorate lacks a clear regional planning framework to guide its development. This project seeks to present a Palestinian model for regional planning that relies on local resources, reinforces national identity, and promotes spatial justice. The project’s objectives include a detailed analysis of the current situation across various sectors: urban planning, demographics, housing, infrastructure, environment, economy, services, and cultural heritage. It then proposes a future vision and targeted interventions to enhance land use efficiency, achieve balanced growth among localities, and establish sustainable development corridors. Furthermore, it aims to activate the role of service centers, strengthen urban–rural connectivity, and link communities through an integrated transportation network. The project is justified by the urgent need to break the imposed colonial spatial reality and to reimagine the geographic structure according to national and developmental standards. This is especially relevant in the absence of a comprehensive regional planning reference in Salfit and the reliance on fragmented local schemes. It also responds to the broader aspiration of a liberated future in which settlements are dismantled, and full sovereignty over the land is restored. The selected location encompasses the entire Salfit Governorate, covering approximately 204,000 dunums and including 19 population centers. The area holds a strategic position between the northern and southern West Bank and borders several other governorates. It also includes areas classified as "C" and land confiscated by settlements, making this project a restorative scenario that reintegrates these territories into the Palestinian spatial fabric.
Ultimately, this project presents an integrated urban and developmental vision grounded in spatial justice and future-oriented planning. It offers a professional and scientific framework that can support the formulation of national planning policies in a post-occupation reality.