There have been an average of four incidents of settler violence per day in the occupied West Bank since October 7.
As Israel continues its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers have intensified their attacks against the population, often under the protection of Israeli soldiers.
Over the past year, at least 1,423 incidents of settler violence in the occupied West Bank have been recorded, an average of four per day, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
With 321 incidents, Ramallah and El-Bireh governorate saw the highest number of settler attacks, followed by 319 incidents in Nablus and 298 in Hebron.
The highest number of settler attacks over the past year occurred in October 2023, with 233 incidents resulting in deaths and/or property damage.
Following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir distributed semi-automatic rifles and other weapons to settlers and far-right Israelis. right, which are now used against the Palestinians.
Since then, more than 120,000 firearms have been distributed to Israeli settlers, while tens of thousands more have received conditional permits.
“We intend to continue arming Israel. This is what we have done and this is what we will continue to do! “, declared Ben-Gvir on his X account.
Speaking about the violence in the West Bank, the United Nations said it “could worsen significantly if (Israeli security forces) continue to systematically use unlawful lethal force and ignore violence perpetrated by settlers.”
Expansion of Israeli settlements
Israeli settlements are Jewish communities built on Palestinian land that was forcibly confiscated from their owners.
Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in at least 250 settlements and outposts in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.
After October 7, 2023, settlers have been particularly outraged by far-right members of the Israeli government, such as Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom are settlers and have supported settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. .
In March, Israel approved the construction of about 3,500 new housing units, adding to the nearly 20,000 approved last year.
Thousands forced to leave their homes
Last year, around 4,555 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank after Israeli forces demolished their homes.
Israeli forces demolished, seized or sealed at least 1,768 structures, including 390 in Tulkarem, 368 in Jerusalem and 242 in Jenin.
Number of deaths in the West Bank: 744
Since Israel began its war on Gaza, which has killed more than 42,000 people, at least 744 Palestinians, including 164 children, have been killed in the West Bank.
More than 6,250 people were injured.