Surge in Settler Violence Displaces Palestinians in West Bank

In the past ten days, over 100 Palestinians have fled their homes in the Northern West Bank amid escalating violence from Israeli settlers. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen reports from the region, highlighting the determination of settlers to expand their outposts despite the ongoing conflict. The situation intensified following the killing of three family members of Yasser Audi during a settler attack in Qusra, coinciding with the Israeli government's announcement to officially recognize five additional illegal settlements and plans for unprecedented land expansion. The United Nations reports that since October 7, five settlers and at least 11 Palestinians have been killed, with over 230 Palestinians injured in settler attacks. The violence is attributed to a belief among some settlers that they have a biblical right to the land, which they refer to as Judea and Samaria. Shaul Yudelman, a West Bank resident, emphasizes that the conflict centers on land ownership, asserting that the struggle will persist as long as diplomatic efforts fail. The recent surge in violence has led to the largest forced displacement of Palestinian communities since October 2023, with entire villages abandoned and many more at risk. The Norwegian Refugee Council has called for urgent intervention from the U.S., EU, and other stakeholders to address the humanitarian crisis. The Al-Maleh region, home to 18 communities, faces imminent displacement, threatening nearly a quarter of a million euros in humanitarian aid and leaving many Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and fear. Immediate action is deemed essential to protect these vulnerable communities and uphold their rights.