How Israeli raids, settler violence and annexation plans are driving the West Bank toward crisis

LONDON: While global attention remains focused on the war in Gaza, the occupied West Bank has been sliding deeper into crisis, largely out of sight. Israeli military raids and settler violence against Palestinians have escalated sharply, intensifying tensions across the territory.

The UN Human Rights Office has warned of growing settler violence “with the acquiescence, support, and in some cases participation of Israeli forces.”

In a July 30 statement, the UN agency described “a pattern of the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force that resulted in the unlawful killing and injury of Palestinians” in the West Bank.

The report further alleged that Israeli authorities are pursuing a wider strategy of displacement and annexation — claims the government rejects, insisting instead that its actions are a response to security threats posed by Palestinian militants.

Israeli military raids and settler violence against Palestinians have escalated sharply. (AFP)