Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN reports a record rise in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, describing settler attacks as reaching an all-time high. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were 1,835 attacks last year, and with about 190 attacks per month in early 2026, this year's total may surpass 2,000. In 2026, 76 Palestinians and one Israeli have died in settler attacks, with further casualties including eight Palestinians and two Israeli military personnel killed since a recent Friday.
UN human rights officials state the attacks are frequent, often involving property destruction, such as homes and mosques, sometimes incentivized by the Israeli government. The situation is worsened by tighter movement restrictions on Palestinians, limiting access to essential services.
UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, called the ongoing loss of life deeply alarming and urged Israeli authorities to hold perpetrators accountable. He emphasized that a military or violent solution is not viable and reiterated calls for a two-state solution as endorsed by the UN General Assembly in the New York Declaration. Israel and the United States opposed this declaration.
Additional concern was raised over Israeli officials' approval of new settlements and outposts in the West Bank, which the UN views as illegal under international law. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stressed the need for urgent action to reverse the situation, while renewing calls for an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank.
This escalation follows an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel’s occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank illegal, and recommending that countries not recognize related actions. Israel condemned the ruling.