The West Bank is witnessing a surge of violence and anger against Israel, as the Israeli offensive on Gaza continues for the twelfth day, killing more than 1,900 Palestinians and wounding more than 7,600.
At least 75 Palestinians have been killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or Israeli settlers in the West Bank since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,300 Israelis and taking at least 100 Israelis hostage. This is the highest monthly death toll in the West Bank since the UN began keeping records in 2005.
The Palestinian casualties include children, women, journalists, medics and activists, who have been shot, stabbed, run over or bombed by Israeli forces or settlers. Many of them were taking part in protests or clashes with the IDF across the West Bank, expressing their solidarity with Gaza and their frustration with the Israeli occupation.
On Thursday alone, six Palestinians were killed in the West Bank, including a 17-year-old boy who was shot in the chest by an Israeli soldier near Ramallah. The same day, an Israeli air strike hit a house in Jenin, killing five members of the same family.
The West Bank has also seen a rise in attacks by Israeli settlers, who have been emboldened by the Israeli war on Gaza and the support of some right-wing politicians. The settlers have been targeting Palestinian villages, farms, cars and mosques, burning crops, throwing stones and shooting at civilians.
One of the most brutal incidents occurred last week in Qusra, a village near Nablus, where two Palestinians were killed and four others were injured by Israeli settlers who opened fire on a funeral procession. The father and son who died were among thousands of young Israelis attending the Supernova music festival outside Re’im when Hamas fighters swept in.
A Trap
The mayor of Qusra, Hani Odeh, told CNN that he felt like it was a trap set by the IDF and the settlers. He said that he had informed a member of COGAT, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, that he was going to attend the funeral, but he was diverted to a road where settlers attacked him and his companions.
“I went up to one officer, urging him to disperse the settlers, but no one did anything,” Odeh said.
Israel has denied any responsibility for the settler attacks, saying that they are isolated incidents that are being investigated by the police. However, many Palestinians accuse Israel of turning a blind eye to the settler violence and even encouraging it.
“The settlers are acting with impunity and with the protection of the army. They are terrorizing us and trying to drive us out of our land,” said Mohammed al-Masri, a journalist who witnessed the attack in Qusra.
The West Bank violence has also sparked fears of a possible third intifada or uprising against Israel. Some Palestinian factions have called for more resistance and mobilization against the Israeli aggression. Some analysts have warned that the situation could spiral out of control if Israel does not stop its offensive on Gaza and end its occupation of the West Bank.
“The anger is boiling over. The people are fed up with the oppression and injustice. They are ready to sacrifice their lives for their rights and dignity,” said Nour Odeh, a political analyst and former spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has said that it is on high alert for any escalation in the West Bank and that it is prepared to thwart any potential attacks. It has also blamed Hamas and Islamic Jihad for inciting violence and using civilians as human shields.
“We will not allow any harm to our citizens or our sovereignty. We will defend ourselves against any threat from any direction,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement.
The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire. However, previous attempts to broker a truce have failed, as both sides have rejected each other’s conditions.
