Escalation of Settler Terrorism in the West Bank: 6 Martyrs and Strict Military Restrictions Since the Start of the War on Iran

Settler groups in the occupied West Bank have escalated their deadly attacks against Palestinian citizens, exploiting the international and field preoccupation with the ongoing war against Iran. Human rights and medical sources reported that settlers intensified their attacks under the protection of the Israeli occupation army, which imposed strict movement restrictions, leading to the martyrdom of 6 Palestinians since the outbreak of the regional confrontation on February 28th.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that at least five citizens were killed by settler gunfire in various areas of the West Bank, while the human rights organization 'B'Tselem' indicated the martyrdom of a sixth person due to tear gas inhalation during a settler attack. These developments come at a time when the United States and Israel continue their widespread aggression on Iranian territories, which has resulted in increased tension in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The occupation army imposed a strict security cordon on Palestinian villages and towns, with main roads closed by iron gates and earth mounds, making remote villages easy prey for armed settler attacks. Local sources explained that these military restrictions hindered the access of ambulances and medical teams to rescue the injured, contributing to the rise in the number of victims due to bleeding or delayed medical intervention.

In the village of Abu Falah, north of Ramallah, the area witnessed a brutal attack carried out by more than 100 armed settlers under the cover of darkness, resulting in the martyrdom of two Palestinians. Sources quoted eyewitnesses that residents tried to defend their homes with stones before the settlers indiscriminately opened fire with their machine guns at the chests of citizens who tried to repel the aggression.

One of the village defenders pointed out that the martyr Thayer was killed while trying to protect a house from burning, with traces of blood remaining as evidence of the crime in the surrounding olive groves. Following the attack, a third Palestinian died from his injuries, amid accusations against the occupation forces of firing large quantities of toxic gas to secure the withdrawal of settlers from the area after committing their crime.

For his part, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, Ahmed Jibril, confirmed that ambulance crews face extreme difficulties in reaching conflict areas due to attacks by both settlers and the army. Jibril stated that the northern Jordan Valley, Masafer Yatta, and villages east of Ramallah suffer from a suffocating siege that prevents medical aid from reaching patients and injured people who are subjected to daily abuse.

The human rights organization 'Yesh Din' monitored more than 109 incidents of violence committed by settlers since the start of the war on Iran, including direct physical assaults, property destruction, and live fire. The organization noted a dangerous phenomenon of settlers wearing Israeli army uniforms during their attacks, which confirms the complete alignment between the military system and extremist settlement groups.

In a related context, international reports revealed that about 700 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of 2025 until early 2026 due to ongoing settler terrorism. These attacks coincide with an Israeli government plan to expand settlements, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, with the aim of undermining any opportunity for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the future.

Settler leaders announced the establishment of new settlement outposts in strategic locations, including a settlement overlooking the city of Nablus, as part of a plan that includes the construction of 22 new settlements announced last year. More than 700,000 settlers currently reside in illegal settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem, amidst an environment of full military protection provided by the right-wing occupation government.

On the ground, the occupation army justifies road closures as precautionary security measures in light of ongoing airstrikes on Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, which continues to launch rockets in solidarity with Tehran. However, Palestinians assert that these measures are exclusively aimed at paralyzing their movement and facilitating the mission of settler militias in seizing more land and terrorizing peaceful residents.

Regionally, the American-Israeli aggression on Iran has led to the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including high-ranking leaders, igniting multiple fronts in the region. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting strategic centers inside Israel, resulting in the deaths of 14 Israelis and injuries to hundreds, amid strict military censorship that prevents the publication of the true extent of losses.

Amidst this regional explosion, peace efforts and international projects aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have faltered, as international focus has shifted to direct confrontation with Iran. Observers warn that the continuation of the war will give a green light to settlers to implement 'silent transfer' plans against Palestinian Bedouin and rural communities in areas classified as 'C'.

Economic data indicate that global markets have been affected by the halt of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for the tenth consecutive day, with oil prices soaring to record levels of $119 per barrel. This global turmoil casts a shadow over the international community, which appears unable to curb Israeli aggression in the West Bank amidst the involvement of major powers in the direct conflict.

In conclusion, the Palestinian citizen in the West Bank continues to face a dual Israeli war machine; represented by the occupation army with its heavy weapons, and settler militias that now operate as an unofficial military arm. With the absence of international protection, fears of wider massacres in isolated villages, which now lack the minimum means of self-defense under the complete siege, are increasing.

Armed settler militias exploit war conditions and operate with direct support from the army to attack Palestinians and force them to leave.