Key facts
- Israeli forces were directly involved in settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, according to a UN inquiry.
- The UN inquiry documented a 130% surge in settler attacks since 2023.
- Israel plans to build 2,162 new homes in three West Bank settlements.
- Twenty nations, including 18 European countries, Australia, and Japan, oppose new Israeli registration rules for aid groups.
- One person was killed and five injured in a suspected terror attack in central Israel.
- The suspected gunman in the central Israel attack was an Israeli Arab who was killed at the scene.
- France indicated potential new sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Italian prosecutors are investigating Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over alleged abuse of Gaza flotilla activists.
- A video reportedly shows Israeli forces using a Palestinian man as a human shield in the West Bank.
- Allegations of abuse, including rape and beatings, have surfaced against flotilla members.
A United Nations inquiry has concluded that Israeli forces were directly involved in settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, providing protection and support. The report documented a significant increase in attacks, noting a 130% surge since 2023, and also detailed severe abuses by both settlers and Hamas. In parallel, Israel's finance minister announced plans to construct 2,162 new homes across three West Bank settlements. These settlements are widely considered illegal under international law and a hindrance to peace by most countries. Palestinians have condemned this expansion, warning of potential escalations in violence.
Further complicating the situation, a shooting incident in central Israel resulted in one fatality and five injuries. Police are treating this as a suspected terror attack, and the alleged gunman, an Israeli Arab, was killed at the scene. Twenty nations, including 18 European countries, Australia, and Japan, have expressed opposition to new Israeli registration requirements for humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank. These governments warn that the regulations could significantly impede the delivery of essential aid.
In related developments, France's Foreign Minister has signaled that additional sanctions may be imposed on Israeli settlers in the West Bank in the near future, citing growing concerns over escalating illegal settlements and settler violence. Separately, Italian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This probe concerns the alleged mistreatment of activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, including suspicions of torture and kidnapping of Italian citizens detained last month. These allegations follow international criticism of Israel's actions after intercepting the aid convoy in international waters. A video has also surfaced, reportedly showing Israeli soldiers using a Palestinian man as a human shield during a raid in the occupied West Bank's Hebron al-Fawwar camp. Allegations of abuse, including rape and beatings, have also emerged against some flotilla members, following public remarks by Minister Ben-Gvir.