Human Rights Watch Highlights Escalating Settler Attacks Leading to Forced Displacement in West Bank

Ramallah: Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over the increasing frequency and severity of settler attacks in the West Bank, which are forcing Palestinians towards displacement. The organization warns that numerous Palestinian villages and towns are at risk of being erased due to these escalating attacks. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Human Rights Watch reported that since January 2023, settler violence has resulted in the complete or partial displacement of 107 villages and towns, affecting approximately 5,900 Palestinians. The statement highlighted that 15 Palestinian citizens, including two children, have been killed by settlers up to July 24 of this year. The organization outlined that Israeli authorities are arming, funding, and providing legal immunity to settlers responsible for these acts. The violence, which peaked in March and April, includes murder, assaults, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and property destruction, among other violations. In an investigation conducted in Apri l and May of the previous year, Human Rights Watch documented settler attacks on seven Palestinian villages and towns, including Al-Mughayyir, Mikhmas, Taybeh, Jalud, Qaryut, Khirbet Humsa, and Al-Muarrajat. These attacks often occurred in the presence of occupation army units, contributing to a pattern of forced displacement. The report also noted that attacks are increasingly targeting Palestinian livelihoods by restricting access to grazing lands and water sources, stealing livestock, and destroying crops. This has forced many residents to sell livestock at a loss or incur additional costs. Human Rights Watch emphasized that the continuation of these attacks creates a coercive environment, pushing many Palestinians to leave their homes. The organization views settler violence and displacement as manifestations and tools of Israel's expanding settlement project. The report highlighted that settlers receive financial and material support from the Israeli government, with approximately 50 million shekels a llocated to settlement outposts. This funding is used to acquire equipment such as quad bikes, night-vision goggles, and drones for harassment purposes. Additionally, the organization criticized the lack of accountability, noting that Israeli authorities have failed to prosecute settlers for their violent acts against Palestinians. This impunity persists despite the rise in settler attacks. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the first four months of 2026 saw more Palestinians displaced by settler attacks than in the entire year of 2025. OCHA documented an average of 6.6 settler attacks per day, the highest rate ever recorded. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of failing to protect Palestinians from settler violence and instead enabling it through material support. The violence extends beyond direct attacks, affecting Palestinian livelihoods and restricting access to essential resources, leading to forced displacement. The organization pointed out th at settlement outposts often serve as bases for attacks and facilitate land confiscation in the West Bank. Data from Peace Now indicates that settlers have established 248 new outposts, with 65 appearing between the start of 2026 and August 1st. Human Rights Watch documented attacks in several areas, including Khirbet Humsa and Al-Marajat, which experienced assaults, livestock theft, and infrastructure destruction. The organization also reported a significant decrease in cases prosecuted by Israeli police against settlers since 2022. The report stressed that these attacks, in conjunction with settlement expansion and impunity, risk entrenching forced displacement and land seizure. Human Rights Watch urged other countries to intervene by imposing targeted sanctions, suspending arms transfers to Israel, and supporting the International Criminal Court's investigations.