UN human rights office warns of worsening settler violence in West Bank as attacks keep increasing

The UN human rights office warned on Wednesday that settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank have intensified, with 18 Palestinians killed in settler-linked attacks so far in 2026, surpassing the 17 killed in all of 2025. The office urged international action, citing attacks on communities, property destruction, and ongoing annexation.

The UN human rights office warned on Wednesday that settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank have intensified, urging international action. According to UN figures, 18 Palestinians have been killed in settler-linked attacks so far in 2026, compared to 17 in all of 2025. The office said settlers and Israeli security forces have attacked communities, assaulted families, destroyed property, and burned mosques. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Friday during a confrontation near the Palestinian village of Tal, southwest of Nablus. The IDF said the incident began when Israeli civilians entered Palestinian-controlled territory and clashed with residents, during which a Palestinian seized a rifle and opened fire. Palestinian officials said four Palestinians were killed in the broader confrontation. The UN office noted that violence has worsened since the International Court of Justice ruling in July 2024 that declared the occupation illegal. In July, Israel's security cabinet approved NIS 1.3 billion to establish 34 new settlements. About 700,000 settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.