Arabic version: تصاعد عنف المستوطنين الإسرائيليين في قرى الضفة الغربية

Israeli settlers have rampaged through Palestinian villages in the West Bank, with reports of violence and destruction as tensions rise in the region. According to Al Jazeera, the actions included the uprooting of 3,000 Palestinian-planted trees to facilitate the expansion of illegal settlements.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented on the destruction, asserting that it contributes to building Israel and undermines the concept of a Palestinian state. The recent violence coincides with a broader Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Palestinians, primarily targeting police officers.

In legislative news, the Israeli Knesset Ministerial Committee has backed a bill to formally repeal the 1993 Oslo Accords, which established the Palestinian Authority and divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C. The bill’s sponsor, Limor Son Har-Melech, emphasized its purpose to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state and promote settlement in areas under partial Palestinian control.

The European Union has condemned Israel’s expansion of restricted zones in Gaza, which now covers more than 60 percent of the territory. This move has been criticized as contradictory to previous ceasefire commitments. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued in Gaza, with numerous casualties reported, including children and police officers.

On the ground in the West Bank, reports indicate that settlers have engaged in multiple violent incidents, including the occupation of Palestinian land and the destruction of olive trees. Activists documented settlers denying access to local resources and establishing new outposts, exacerbating the already tense situation. The United Nations has condemned these actions, highlighting the dehumanization of Palestinians as a growing concern.