Key facts
- The UN's human rights office warned of worsening Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.
- The UN stated that a political process for peace is impossible while Gaza remains devastated and West Bank violence escalates.
- Settler violence and actions tantamount to ongoing annexation of Palestinian territory have worsened since a 2024 ICJ ruling.
- Israel's security cabinet approved funding for 34 new settlements in the West Bank.
- The UN reported 18 Palestinians killed in incidents linked to settler attacks this year, with at least 20 killed by settlers according to the Palestinian Authority.
The United Nations human rights office has warned of escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, urging international action against Palestinian killings and the creation of settlements. The office stated that a political process for peace is impossible while Gaza remains devastated and violence in the West Bank continues to rise.
According to UN figures, 18 Palestinians have been killed in incidents linked to settler attacks this year, compared to 17 in the entire previous year. The Palestinian Authority reports at least 20 Palestinians have been killed by settlers since the start of the year. Recent incidents include the killing of four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers near Nablus.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, stated that settlers and Israeli security forces have attacked local communities, assaulting families, destroying property, and burning mosques. The UN human rights office noted that settler violence and actions tantamount to ongoing annexation of Palestinian territory have worsened since a July 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that found Israel's occupation and settlements illegal.
Violence in the West Bank has surged since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Earlier in July, Israel's security cabinet approved funding for 34 new settlements. While Israel cites historical ties to the land, UN bodies, Palestinians, and most countries view the settlements as illegal under international conventions and a major obstacle to peace. Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.