Increase in tensions in the West Bank: confiscations and violence in Battir.

In the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, Jewish settlements in the West Bank have taken on a new dimension, with an increase in the confiscation of Palestinian lands generating an exacerbated climate of tension. The village of Battir, a site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, has become one of the recent focal points of conflict. Here, settlers have begun to occupy lands that have historically belonged to Palestinians, provoking reactions of outrage and resistance among the local population. Ghassan Olyan, a landowner affected by these confiscations, expressed his despair by stating that "they are stealing our lands to build their dreams on our catastrophe." His testimony reflects the widespread frustration among Palestinians who see their heritage and way of life threatened by the expansion of Jewish settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, although Israel does not recognize this. The situation has become more critical since the onset of the war in Gaza, when the growth of settlements in the West Bank has accelerated. According to recent reports, violence by settlers against Palestinians has increased significantly, with over 1,270 documented attacks by the UN in the past ten months, compared to 856 for all of 2022. This increase in aggression has forced many Palestinian communities to abandon their lands and homes. The impact of this violence is devastating, not only in terms of human loss but also in the erosion of the possibility for a peaceful future. According to analyst Yonatan Mizrahi from the organization Peace Now, the atmosphere of "anger and fear" prevailing in Israeli society after recent terrorist attacks has energized settlers to expand their territorial control, which in turn increases tensions between both communities. The recent statement by the head of Israel's internal intelligence, Ronen Bar, regarding extremist activity among settlers has highlighted a problem that intensifies day by day. Bar warned of acts of "terror" committed against Palestinians, underscoring the growing concern within Israel's own security structure. However, settlers, backed by a government that increasingly leans to the right, feel more encouraged to continue their actions. Opinion polls reflect a shift in Israeli perceptions of settlements. While 40% now believe that settlements make Israel safer, a figure that has significantly increased since 2013, there is also 35% who consider that they harm the country's security. This polarization shows how the conflict has managed to affect public and political perception in Israel. Since the occupation of the West Bank in 1967, successive Israeli governments have allowed the expansion of settlements, a policy seen as an obstacle to peace. Recently, the government announced the construction of five new settlements, which has sparked protests and international condemnation. Despite this, Israeli leaders, including members of the far right, are pushing for the consolidation of these settlements and seeking to make them irreversible. The tensions in the region not only affect Palestinians but also have long-term repercussions on Israeli society, where extremism is on the rise. Politicians like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have made provocative statements and promoted an agenda that rejects any form of compromise with Palestinians. This has created an environment where peace seems increasingly distant. While some international leaders advocate for a two-state solution, the growing power of the far right in Israel complicates this possibility. The nationalist ideology that holds that all land should belong to Israel is gaining ground, and the war in Gaza is being used as a means to justify the annexation of more territories. The rhetoric employed by these leaders suggests that they are willing to sacrifice any hope for peace in favor of their expansionist vision. The future of the region remains uncertain, and the escalation of violence and land confiscations in the West Bank could have devastating consequences not only for Palestinians but also for Israeli society. The possibility of lasting peace is threatened by the growing radicalization and armed conflict, which seems far from finding a viable solution. In this context, the international community plays a crucial role, although it has so far struggled to influence Israeli policies and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights.