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UN human rights office warns of worsening settler violence in West Bank as attacks keep increasing

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The UN human rights office warned of escalating settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, urging international action.
  • The office reported a rise in Palestinian deaths linked to settler attacks, with 18 killed this year compared to 17 in all of 2025.
  • UN officials noted that settlers and Israeli security forces often act together, assaulting Palestinians, destroying property, and burning mosques, while settlements have reached an all-time high.

The United Nations human rights office has issued a stark warning regarding the intensification of settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank. The office is calling for international intervention to address the escalating situation, particularly concerning the killing of Palestinians and the continued growth of settlements, which have reportedly reached an all-time high.

settlers and Israeli security forces, often acting together, have attacked local communities, assaulting families, destroying and confiscating property, and burning mosques.

— Ravina ShamdasaniThe spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described the nature of settler actions.

According to UN figures, settler violence has led to the deaths of 18 Palestinians this year, surpassing the 17 recorded for the entirety of 2025. The UN human rights office, through spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, stated that "settlers and Israeli security forces, often acting together, have attacked local communities, assaulting families, destroying and confiscating property, and burning mosques." These actions are occurring in the context of ongoing settlement expansion, which the UN and most countries deem illegal under international law.

The situation has worsened significantly in the two years since the International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that Israel's occupation of the West Bank was illegal and required withdrawal. Israel rejected that finding at the time. Violence in the West Bank has surged notably since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, with numerous reports from the UN, rights groups, and Palestinian officials documenting a sharp increase in settler attacks.

occupation is illegal and should be withdrawn.

— International Court of JusticeThe court's ruling in July 2024 regarding Israel's presence in the West Bank.

This surge in activity comes as Israel's security cabinet approved NIS 1.3 billion for the establishment of 34 new settlements earlier in July. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a proponent of West Bank annexation, described the move as "historic." While Israel cites historical and biblical ties to the land, viewing it as disputed territory, the international community largely maintains that settlements violate international conventions. Approximately 700,000 settlers currently reside among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank.

historic.

— Bezalel SmotrichIsrael's Finance Minister described the approval of new settlements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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