Palestinians Face Surge in Settler Violence Following October 7th Hamas Attack

A father and son were killed in an attack by Israeli settlers while on their way to a funeral for Palestinians who were shot dead. Ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank has claimed the lives of at least 61 people since Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has surged this year, with the UN reporting over 700 incidents and hundreds of injuries recorded. Despite international criticism, Israel's far-right government under Netanyahu has approved a record number of new housing units in existing West Bank settlements. Palestinians in the West Bank face heavy movement restrictions from Israel and a closure of checkpoints following Hamas' attacks on Israel, disrupting daily life and access to essential services.