Settler attacks in the West Bank have surged in recent weeks, coinciding with the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, Israeli settlers bulldozed land and established tents in the village of Umm Safa, located north of Ramallah. This act, described as a preparation for land confiscation, was reported by Marwan Sabah, the head of the village council. He indicated that settlers from the nearby "Ateret" settlement were operating under the protection of the Israeli army, threatening to seize approximately 500 dunams of land in an area known as Jabal al-Ras.
The situation in Umm Safa is alarming as Israeli authorities have previously confiscated around 4,000 dunams of the village's land over the years, often using various justifications. The village falls under Area C, a designation according to the Oslo Accords, which grants Israel full control over civil, administrative, and security matters in this region, comprising about 60% of the West Bank. Sabah has called for international intervention to halt these aggressive actions, emphasizing the urgent need for global attention to protect Palestinian lands.
In response to the settler violence, a protest was held in Umm Safa, condemning both the settlers’ encroachment and the Israeli military's complicity. Reports indicate that since the onset of the recent conflict on October 7, 2023, settler violence has resulted in the deaths of 19 Palestinians, injuries to over 785 individuals, and the displacement of 26 Bedouin communities. With more than 720,000 settlers residing in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the situation remains tense and precarious.
- The Oslo II Accords, signed in 1995, divided the West Bank into three areas: A, B, and C, with Area C being under full Israeli control. This classification has significant implications for land ownership and the rights of Palestinians. The ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in this area continues to be a point of contention, exacerbating tensions between settlers and the local Palestinian population.
- Local and international human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the increasing frequency and severity of settler violence, calling for accountability and protection for Palestinian communities. The international community's response to these developments remains critical as the region grapples with the broader implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
