Israeli bulldozers have demolished dozens of Palestinian shops this week on the edge of a town located southeast of Jerusalem, clearing ground for a settlement-linked road project within the occupied West Bank.

Authorities in Israel state the demolitions are essential to construct a road intended to serve local Palestinian communities. However, Palestinian officials present a contrasting view, asserting the road forms part of a broader scheme designed to keep Palestinian vehicles off a new highway being built specifically for nearby Israeli settlements.

This contentious project is situated in E1, a strategic section of the West Bank.…