Israeli settlers escalate violence against Palestinians in the West Bank
- Between October 7, 2023, and the end of 2024, Israeli settlers committed 1,860 acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
- There are currently about 500,000 Israeli settlers residing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with a significant increase in settlement activity since October 2023.
- The ongoing violence contributes to broader tensions and conflict in the region, affecting both Palestinian and Israeli communities.
In the West Bank, a significant increase in violence has been observed as Israeli settlers have reportedly committed 1,860 violent acts against Palestinians from October 7, 2023, to the end of 2024, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals. This campaign to drive Palestinian villagers off their land is part of a broader context where approximately 500,000 settlers now reside in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, having been encouraged by the Israeli government since the Six Day War in 1967. The motivations of these settlers vary, with some being religious nationalists claiming the land as a divine gift and others being resettled kibbutzniks from previous conflicts. Under Israeli law, there are about 147 officially authorized West Bank settlements, along with an estimated 224 illegal outposts. Despite the illegality, these outposts receive tolerance and support from the Israeli government, resulting in higher state funding per capita for settlers compared to residents within Israel’s recognized borders. Israel's claim to the West Bank hinges on historical, religious, and legal grounds, asserting that Jews have inhabited these lands for millennia. The territory is considered by many Israelis as part of Judea and Samaria, which symbolizes the cradle of Jewish civilization. Following the 1948 war, the establishment of the Green Line created areas controlled by various governing bodies, including the Palestinian Authority. However, the ongoing Israeli presence is justified by the government under the premise of security. Since October 7, 2023, there has been a notable establishment of 59 new outposts and a push to legalize 70 existing ones in the West Bank. These armed settlements often pose threats, and the violence associated with them disrupts the already fragile relationship between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, contributing to a cycle of conflict and displacement, where both communities feel increasingly endangered by the actions of the other.