Statement on the West Bank: Increased settler violence is a huge obstacle to peace

While a complex diplomatic process is taking place on the future of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas, the increasing violence of Israeli settlers in the West Bank risks undermining the future of the State of Palestine, as well as any effort to reach a viable and comprehensive two-state solution.

In 2026, the West Bank is the site of an unprecedented surge of violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers. In the month of July alone, more than 360 incidents were recorded.

These incidents include attacks on Palestinians, the destruction of their property, land seizures and looting.

Settlers are armed, and there are reported incidents in which some of them also serve as reservists in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Violence is mounting, as is the number of people killed or wounded. Recent attacks on mosques, combined with the confiscation or destruction of Armenian and Christian properties, are increasing the insecurity and despair of different religious communities.

Our member parties in Palestine and Israel have denounced the increased settler violence at a moment when some pro-settler figures in the Israeli government are publicly calling for the annexation of the West Bank.

It is urgent to break the deafening silence on the crimes perpetrated in the West Bank, to raise our voice and to show solidarity with the citizens of the West Bank before it is too late.

Settler violence must be stopped now!