Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that the Israeli military has failed to protect Palestinians from violence by settlers in the occupied West Bank, with some instances of military participation in these attacks. Since October 7, there has been an increase in violence by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank, resulting in the displacement of Palestinians from 20 communities and the complete uprooting of at least seven communities.
According to HRW, Israeli settlers have been involved in assaulting, torturing, and committing sexual violence against Palestinians. They have also stolen belongings and livestock, issued death threats for permanent evacuation, and destroyed homes and schools under the guise of ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Displaced residents have not received assurances from the military regarding their security or the possibility of returning, leaving them in precarious living conditions elsewhere.
HRW's investigations have uncovered several attacks, including incidents that led to the forced displacement of all residents of villages near Hebron and Ramallah in October and November of the previous year. Despite requests, the Israeli military has either ignored or denied permission for residents to return to their homes. The report highlights the urgent need for action to address the ongoing violence and displacement affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
