UN reports unprecedented settler violence and land seizure in West Bank

The United Nations has reported “unprecedented” levels of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and the “relentless” confiscation of land in the West Bank. In a quarterly update to the Security Council, interim UN Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov stated that the gradual annexation of the West Bank is illegal and must cease.

Between June 13 and September 18, Israeli authorities approved or advanced approximately 4,570 housing units in Area C of the West Bank and 3,515 in East Jerusalem. During this period, the demolition and seizure of 536 Palestinian structures displaced 736 people, including 347 children.

Reports from the ground highlight specific instances of aggression in Nablus, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In Asira al-Qibliya, settlers reportedly stole sheep and agricultural equipment from a Bedouin community under the protection of Israeli soldiers. In the village of al-Maniya, dozens of ancient olive trees were uprooted.

Regarding casualties, the UN reported that 32 Palestinians, including nine children, were killed and 633 injured in the West Bank due to Israeli forces or settlers. In the Gaza Strip, 360 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 injured during the analyzed period amid ongoing military operations.