Israel’s recent assault on refugee camps in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. The West Bank is part of historical Palestine and is home to approximately three million Palestinians, including 871,000 registered refugees living in 19 camps. Furthermore, the occupied West Bank and Gaza are both parts of Palestine but are separated by Israel. Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza and the West Bank have left thousands dead and injured.
The occupation of the West Bank by Israel dates back to the 1967 war, and despite international law prohibiting the transfer of an occupying population onto seized territory, Israel has continued to build illegal settlements. The construction of new settlements has surged since the 1980s, and over 700,000 Israelis currently reside in the West Bank across over 150 illegal settlements and outposts. Palestinian resistance to the occupation has led to two Intifadas, with thousands killed on both sides.
Life in the West Bank is challenging due to restrictions on movement, checkpoints, overcrowding in refugee camps, and the separation barrier erected by Israel. The barrier, deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, limits Palestinians’ access to resources and work. This ongoing conflict over land and resources has resulted in widespread suffering and violations of human rights. The international community continues to condemn Israel’s actions and call for an end to the occupation in the West Bank.
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