Intensifying conflict in Israeli settlements in the West Bank... Increased attacks on Palestinians

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Go Hyeon-sil = Conflict surrounding Israeli settlements in the West Bank is growing.

Since the Gaza War began in October 2023, Israel has been working to eradicate the Palestinian armed faction Hamas in the Gaza Strip while expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

So far, settlements have been concentrated in Area C, where Israel is responsible for both administration and security, within the West Bank, but as of this year, they are expanding into Area B, under the jurisdiction of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

In the process, attacks by settlers targeting local Palestinian residents are also increasing significantly.

Last August, a Palestinian-American family in Qusra, in the northern West Bank, was locked in their home for over a week due to threats from settlers.

In the end, when even the U.S. government voiced criticism, the Israeli authorities promised active measures, but the situation did not change much thereafter.

The point to note here is that the construction of settlements in Palestinian territory itself is illegal under international law.

Nevertheless, the Israeli government seems to be pushing ahead with settlement construction, and we looked into what its intentions are.

Take a look at the video.

Planning/Composition: Go Real

Edited by: Hyunsoo Jang

Video: AFP·Reuters·X @MiddleEastEye