In the West Bank, tensions are escalating as Israeli settlers intensify their expansion efforts amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 100 Palestinians have fled their homes in the northern West Bank in just the past ten days due to increased attacks from settlers, with more than 1,500 displaced last year.

Special correspondent Leila Molana Allen highlights the determination of Israeli settlers to expand their presence in the region, even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfolds. Settlers are reportedly taking advantage of the global focus on Gaza to intensify their actions, including violent assaults on Palestinian communities and the destruction of ancient olive groves.

Recent incidents have underscored the severity of the situation. A Palestinian man was shot dead during a settler attack in the village of Jeet, and a family in Khusra experienced a tragic loss when three members were killed in a shooting rampage. Eyewitness accounts reveal a pervasive fear among Palestinians, with one resident expressing uncertainty about returning home due to the threat of violence from settlers and soldiers.

The Israeli government, led by a right-wing coalition, has officially recognized five additional illegal settlements and plans to expand settler presence in the West Bank significantly. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of Israeli soldiers allegedly providing protection to settlers during attacks, raising concerns about accountability within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Critics argue that the IDF's track record on investigating such incidents is inadequate, with less than 1% of complaints resulting in charges.

Despite international law prohibiting Israeli construction in the West Bank, approximately 700,000 Israelis currently reside in the area, a situation that has drawn condemnation from global leaders, including President Biden. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on known violent settlers and threatened further action against IDF units accused of abuses.

While there have been Palestinian attacks on settler communities, they remain less frequent compared to the surge of settler violence. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the UN reporting at least 11 Palestinians killed and 230 injured by settlers since October 7, alongside nearly 600 Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the West Bank remains a focal point of conflict, with the potential for further violence looming as settlers push for expansion in a region fraught with historical and cultural significance for both Israelis and Palestinians.