According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have surged to their highest level since 2006, as documented by the UN. Between October 7 and April 3, over 700 attacks were reported, with nearly half of them involving Israeli soldiers in uniform.
The intensified violence in the West Bank has led to the displacement of more than 1,200 individuals, including 600 children, from rural herding communities. Tragically, at least 17 Palestinians have lost their lives, and 400 have been injured in these attacks. Additionally, seven Israeli settlers have been killed by Palestinians in the West Bank during the same period.
One particularly alarming incident took place in the village of Wadi al-Seeq near Ramallah, where armed settlers in civilian clothing, accompanied by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit, forced approximately 180 people, including 90 children, to flee their homes on October 12.
HRW conducted interviews with 27 witnesses of these attacks and reviewed video footage captured by residents, which depicted harassment by individuals in Israeli military attire carrying M16 assault rifles. Despite inquiries by HRW, the IDF has not provided any responses regarding these incidents.
HRW emphasized that the forced displacement and destruction of property in occupied territories constitute war crimes under international law. The organization called for accountability and justice for the victims of these attacks, urging all parties involved to respect human rights and uphold the principles of international law.
