In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian communities are facing a wave of violence and intimidation from armed Israeli settlers, sparking fear and concern among residents. The recent attacks, which have resulted in injuries, displacement, and even loss of life, threaten to uproot hundreds of Palestinians from their lands.

The escalation of settler violence followed the discovery of a 14-year-old Israeli boy found dead in the illegal settlement outpost of Malachei HaShalom, which Palestinians are prohibited from entering. While the Israeli army declared the incident a "terrorist attack," it has not provided evidence to substantiate the claim.

Since the tragic event, the Israeli army has reportedly supported settlers in their attacks on Palestinian villages near Ramallah, including Bukra, Deir Dubwan, and Kfar Malik. Palestinian residents living in these areas describe living in constant terror, with some contemplating leaving the town or seeking refuge in other countries if they have alternative citizenship.

This latest round of settler violence is part of a broader wave of unrest that has intensified since Israel's devastating war on Gaza. The conflict, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli military outposts and communities on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 35,000 Palestinians. Moreover, armed settlers and the Israeli army have caused the deaths of 460 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since that date, while forcibly displacing many others.

According to residents, settlers are attacking civilians and aiming to drive Palestinians away from their lands. These vengeful acts, often targeting vulnerable farmers, have led to the destruction of property, theft of livestock, and forced expulsions from towns and villages. In some cases, farmers have chosen to resist by remaining defiantly on their land, despite the risks they face.

Human rights experts and residents interviewed by Al Jazeera have expressed concerns that the current violence could trigger mass unrest and potentially lead to even more deadly violence against Palestinians. Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director for Human Rights Watch, believes settler attacks on Palestinians are a form of state-sanctioned violence. He emphasizes the importance of holding Israeli officials accountable for creating a culture of impunity for settlers.

The role of Israel's National Security Minister, Ben Gvir, who is a settler and known Jewish supremacist, has come under scrutiny. Gvir has allegedly encouraged attacks on Palestinians and distributed weapons, including semi-automatic rifles, to settlers and right-wing Israelis shortly after October 7. Palestinians argue that these weapons are now being used to kill innocent civilians.

Unfortunately, the increase in settler violence has been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent tensions between Israel and Iran. The situation in the occupied West Bank requires attention and immediate action to prevent further escalation and protect Palestinian lives and rights.

Palestinian residents, like Hind from Deir Dabwan, live in constant fear for themselves and their families. They feel increasingly vulnerable and criminalized for defending themselves against state-sanctioned settler attacks. The Palestinian Authority's cooperation with Israel on security matters has resulted in a crackdown on activists and political opponents deemed threatening, adding to the climate of fear.

While Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have been subjected to widespread arrests, with over 7,350 individuals detained since October 7, the greater concern remains encountering violent settlers. The fear is palpable, as residents acknowledge that any encounter outside their homes could result in an attack.

The potential for a Palestinian uprising, similar to the Intifada in September 2000, looms large as settler violence persists. The Intifada, which resulted from the collapse of an internationally backed peace process, saw the deaths of nearly 5,000 Palestinians in protests or clashes with the army, and the demolition of thousands of homes.

Abbas Milhem, the executive director of the Palestinian Farmers Union, predicts that if the current state of affairs continues, Palestinians will have no choice but to fight back. The impunity enjoyed by Israeli settlers in their attacks may lead to a new wave of resistance and potentially further destabilize the region.

As tensions persist and lives hang in the balance, international attention and action are necessary to protect Palestinians from further violence and displacement. The international community must hold those responsible accountable for their actions and work towards a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.