Human Rights Watch says state-backed settler violence in the occupied West Bank is forcing Palestinians from their communities, and it is calling for sanctions and a suspension of military aid as dozens of communities face erasure.
Key facts
- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Israeli settler violence in the West Bank is state-backed.
- The group says the violence is forcing the displacement of Palestinians.
- Dozens of Palestinian communities are described as at risk of erasure.
- HRW is calling for sanctions and the suspension of military aid.
Human Rights Watch has said that state-backed Israeli settler violence is forcing the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The rights group warned that dozens of Palestinian communities are at risk of erasure.
In its findings, HRW characterised the violence as state-backed, drawing a direct link between the actions of settlers and the involvement or support of the state. The group said this dynamic is contributing to the displacement of Palestinian residents from their communities.
HRW called for concrete international responses, including sanctions and the suspension of military aid, according to Al Jazeera. The group framed these measures as necessary steps to address the situation on the ground.
The warning that dozens of communities are at risk of erasure underscores the scale of the concern raised by the organisation. HRW’s appeal places the focus on international actors and the assistance they provide.
The reporting, published by Al Jazeera, sets out HRW’s assessment of conditions in the West Bank and its recommended course of action. The account details the group’s central claims regarding the drivers of displacement.
Why it matters
Human Rights Watch is one of the most prominent international rights organisations, and its call for sanctions and a suspension of military aid could add pressure on governments that support Israel. The warning that dozens of Palestinian communities face erasure highlights the human stakes for residents of the occupied West Bank.
Frequently asked questions
What does Human Rights Watch say is happening in the West Bank?
According to Al Jazeera, HRW says state-backed Israeli settler violence is forcing the displacement of Palestinians, with dozens of communities at risk of erasure.
What actions is HRW calling for?
HRW is calling for sanctions and the suspension of military aid, according to Al Jazeera.
How many communities are said to be affected?
HRW says dozens of Palestinian communities are at risk of erasure, according to Al Jazeera.