Ten maps to understand the occupied West Bank

Since 1967, the West Bank has been under Israeli occupation, significantly impacting the lives of approximately 3.3 million Palestinians. The region has seen a dramatic increase in violence, particularly since October 7, 2023, with at least 703 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. The Oslo Accords of 1993 divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, with varying degrees of Palestinian Authority control. However, Israeli settlements continue to expand, with around 700,000 settlers residing in at least 250 settlements. The construction of a separation wall since 2002 has further restricted Palestinian movement, creating a network of checkpoints that often delays their travel for hours. In contrast, Israelis can use bypass roads that connect settlements to major cities in Israel. East Jerusalem, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, is often excluded from maps depicting the West Bank, complicating the territorial understanding of the area. Additionally, the West Bank hosts around 870,000 registered Palestinian refugees, many of whom live in camps established after the 1948 Nakba. The ongoing violence and military operations have led to significant casualties, with Israeli forces conducting severe raids that have resulted in numerous deaths. The situation remains tense, with the humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population growing increasingly dire. The combination of military control, settlement expansion, and restrictions on movement has created a complex and challenging environment for Palestinians in the West Bank. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of these developments, as the quest for peace remains elusive.