Settler Violence and Restrictions Reported in West Bank

Israeli rights group B’Tselem alleges that Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank amount to an “elimination project” involving violence, displacement, movement restrictions, economic pressure and repression; Israel has not publicly responded to the report. Reports described settler assaults, arson and attacks on journalists, while Israel’s Supreme Court criticized authorities for failing to curb the violence, and about 240 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy police protection. Settlers were also reported to have attacked Palestinians, property and a water well, and erected a fence to expand an outpost east of Jerusalem. In Beit Iksa, northwest of Jerusalem, Israeli authorities barred 13 residents from returning for a second consecutive week, while 19 others remained away fearing they could be denied reentry. Britain and other Western governments imposed sanctions linked to Israeli settlement activity, including proposed construction in the E1 area, which critics say could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem; Israel responded with countermeasures against British nationals and organizations. Separately, Israeli communities near Gaza reported renewed security concerns after Hamas-linked incendiary kites were reportedly launched toward the border.