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BETHLEHEM, PALESTINE - AUGUST 20: In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Kisiya family is trying to dismantle an illegal settlement outpost on land they own in the Al-Makhrour area near Bethlehem. Ever since Israel's extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans two weeks ago for the establishment of a new settlement in Bethlehem, which is located in the southern West Bank, the family's fears for the future of their land have grown. In 2019, Israeli authorities demolished a park and restaurant owned by the family on the site, which overlooks orchards and agricultural lands that serve as a recreational area for Bethlehem residents and offer views of occupied Jerusalem. Settlers later moved in to establish an illegal outpost there. Despite the intentions of Smotrich, who leads the far-right Religious Zionism party, the family, with the support of peace activists, is determined to hold onto their property and return to it. Alice Kisiya remains defiant in the face of the decision to build the illegal outpost on her family's land. She and her mother, Michelle, were arrested Sunday by Israeli authorities for protesting the seizure of their property in the Beit Jala area, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, adding that they were later released. "The Israeli government's decision is invalid," Alice declared in an interview with Anadolu, recounting how in July, illegal settlers, under the protection of the Israeli army, "established a settlement outpost on our family's land, threatening all surrounding areas." Referring to the surrounding lands, she said, "The lands of Battir, Al-Walaja, and Al-Makhrour have been classified as World Heritage sites, and the residents own these orchards." According to Palestinian anti-settlement activist Jamil Qassas, the Israeli decision aims to "seize the largest possible area of Palestinian land and connect the Gush Etzion settlement bloc to Jerusalem." (Footage by Hisham K. K. Abu Shaqra/Anadolu Agency