Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited, April 25, 2025

http://As the world turns its attention to the escalating conflict in Gaza, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing a deadly new reality. The outbreak of war following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has led to an intensification of Israeli military operations in the West Bank, with operations expanding in both scale and frequency. Israel’s stepped-up campaign, aimed at countering what it claims is a growing militant threat, has led to a surge in violence and instability for Palestinian communities.

Palestinian Deaths on the Rise

Since the war’s eruption, Palestinian fatalities have significantly increased in the West Bank, with most deaths occurring during Israeli military raids on towns and villages. Israeli forces argue that these operations are necessary to dismantle militant groups. While many of the dead have been militants or youths allegedly involved in stone-throwing or firebomb attacks, Palestinian rights groups contend that a large number of civilian casualties are the result of excessive force used by Israeli troops. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 182 children under the age of 18 have been killed, some reportedly involved in protests or clashes. Rights organizations accuse Israel of failing to distinguish between militants and innocent civilians.

Massive Displacement of Refugees

A large-scale offensive by Israeli forces has seen military operations expand into major refugee camps in the north of the West Bank. This assault displaced around 40,000 Palestinians, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring villages or face mounting debts as they rent temporary accommodation. Israeli officials have stated that these displaced individuals will not be allowed to return to their homes for at least a year.

The military has engaged in widespread destruction, ripping up roads, demolishing homes, and damaging key infrastructure. While Israel claims that the destruction is part of its strategy to dismantle terrorist networks, many civilian homes have also been caught in the crossfire, compounding the suffering of Palestinian families.

Escalating Attacks by Settlers

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians have surged, often with deadly consequences. Palestinians living in small Bedouin villages in areas fully under Israeli control now face near-daily assaults, as settlers — encouraged by Israel’s pro-settlement government — establish new unauthorized outposts on hilltops near Palestinian communities. Israel maintains that it opposes settler violence, attributing the attacks to an extremist minority. However, Palestinians argue that the Israeli military does little to protect them, and they view these attacks as part of a broader attempt to forcibly expel them from their land.

The Expansion of Settlements

Since the war began, settlers have established about 80 new outposts in the West Bank. These outposts, often populated by extremist settlers, are seen by rights groups as the primary source of violence against Palestinians. While illegal under international law, many of these outposts are tolerated and even encouraged by Israel. Over the years, many outposts have been legalized and transformed into official settlements, solidifying Israel’s control over the territory and undermining any prospect of a Palestinian state. Israel’s government, largely comprised of settler leaders and supporters, has established 13 new settlements since the conflict’s escalation, bringing the total number to 140. While most of the international community deems these settlements illegal, U.S. President Donald Trump has openly supported their expansion.

Increased Military Checkpoints and Restrictions

Palestinians’ movement has become increasingly restricted, with new checkpoints further dividing the West Bank. These military barriers have created choke points, disrupting daily life and hindering Palestinians’ ability to travel between towns and cities. Many crossings that were previously open 24/7 have begun closing during rush hours, forcing people to endure long delays and travel times. Commuters, including workers, students, and businesspeople, now face the daunting reality of hours-long journeys to reach their destinations.

A Growing Crisis

As the war in Gaza continues and tensions in the West Bank escalate, Palestinians in both regions face an increasingly difficult and perilous existence. The situation on the ground is dire, and with the international community’s attention largely focused on Gaza, the struggles of Palestinians in the West Bank continue to intensify.