Mona Saleh, a grieving Palestinian mother-in-law, accuses Israeli authorities of taking advantage of the Gaza war to intensify efforts to colonize Palestinian territory. Her family has not returned to their farmland since the killing of Bilah Saleh, fearing further attacks by settlers. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on Mona Saleh’s allegations, stating that cases of violence should be handled by the Israeli police. The IDF spokesperson blamed Hamas for violence in the West Bank following an attack, while also mentioning a surge in terrorist attacks in the region. The UN reported over 1,000 attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians, displacing many. Palestinian mayor Sayel Kanan expressed concern that Israelis were exploiting the situation to advance their plans in the West Bank.
Yehuda HaKohen, an Israeli settler, defended Jewish settlements as part of reclaiming ancestral lands. He called for the establishment of more settlements to make removal logistically impossible. While condemning violence against Palestinians, HaKohen stated his belief that Jewish settlers must remain in the West Bank. The UN has declared Israel’s occupation of the West Bank as illegal, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed as untrue.
Mayor Kanan highlighted the rise in settler attacks in his town, Burqa, which is encircled by settlements. He criticized the Israeli army for enabling settler takeovers and protecting them instead of dealing with the situation. Kanan described how settlers have blocked main routes, leading to longer, dangerous trips for Palestinians. Israeli settlers see the land as rightfully theirs and have continued to expand settlements despite international condemnation.
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