West Bank: Settler violence increased by 25% in 2025

By Roberto Paglialonga

Civilians continue to die in the Gaza Strip, with three Palestinians killed on Monday by Israeli drones in Khan Younis and two children dead from the cold. At the same time, tensions are rising in the West Bank due to settler violence.

The number of "nationalist crimes" committed by Israelis against Palestinians has increased steadily since October 7, 2023, with a total of 1,720 assaults recorded in that period.

These figures were released by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

According to the news outlet, this trend is compromising the area's security and stability, and the police are not doing enough to resolve the matter.

Israeli army is threatening to send troops.

In 2025, there were reportedly 845 incidents of nationalistic crimes by settlers in which 200 people were injured and four killed.

This is an increase of about 25% compared to 2024, when 675 cases were reported, with 149 Palestinians wounded and six dead.

The spike in incidents could lead senior army commanders to question the police's ability to handle the situation, according to analysts.

If the attacks continue, the army may need to send large numbers of troops, both regular and reserve, to the region.

As for the negotiations on “Phase 2” of the Gaza peace plan, a Hamas delegation is in Egypt for consultations on the implementation of the ceasefire. They will also discuss the establishment of a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats.

A Peace Council is overseeing the process and is due to announce its decision on Tuesday. In addition to US President Donald Trump, who presides over it, the Peace Council includes the heads of state or government of Italy, Great Britain, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.

Meanwhile, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told the press that at least 100 children have been killed in raids since the truce began.