West Bank Palestinians Fear War Will Come for Them Next

The situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has deteriorated significantly amid escalating Israeli military actions and settler violence. Over the past 11 months, as Israel has retaliated against Hamas, the West Bank has seen increased military raids and airstrikes, resulting in at least 22 Palestinian deaths in just one week. The ongoing violence has left communities without basic infrastructure, water, or electricity, creating a sense of trauma among the population. Palestinians in the West Bank have long faced the threat of creeping annexation, with numerous illegal Israeli settlements established throughout the territory. Recent reports indicate that violence from Israeli settlers has surged, with incidents of storming villages and threats against Palestinian families becoming more common. The U.N. has documented 628 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since October, with a portion attributed to settler violence. The Israeli government’s lack of intervention has left many Palestinians vulnerable, as they confront the reality of displacement and violence. Activists like Alice Kisiya have taken a stand against land seizures, but face arrest and military restrictions. The Israeli Civil Administration has enforced closures on Palestinian lands, further complicating their struggle for existence. As the situation continues to unfold, the fear among West Bank Palestinians grows that they may be next in line for the violence and displacement that has already devastated Gaza. The combination of military actions and settler aggression paints a grim picture for the future of Palestinian communities in the region.