The PSC condemns the killings and attacks on all Palestinians in historic Palestine including the genocide in Gaza, the racist attacks against Palestinians inside Israel and the unrestrained attacks taking place in the West Bank.
We note that the Knesset is in the process of adopting a West Bank law which further threatens settler expansion in the West Bank. This land purchase law – the “Bill to eliminate Discrimination in the purchase of Real Estate in Judea and Samaria (West Bank)” will lead to an even greater expansion of settler appropriation of land belonging to Palestinians in the West Bank.
There are 156 settlements “officially” recognised by the Israeli government composed of 144 in the West Bank and 12 in Jerusalem which are recognised by the Israeli government. Some reliable NGO sources put the figure at 210. In addition, there are 196 “outposts”. The Israeli government has recognised 69 new settlements since 2023. There has also been an expansion of existing settlements.
The legislation will give licence to Israeli settlers to carry out violent intimidation of Palestinians, conducting pogroms, destroying crops, seizing homes and lands. These actions have been aided and abetted by the Israeli military.
Over 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 206 boys and 7 girls, 20 women and 7 people with disabilities, have been murdered by Israeli forces and settlers. More than 12,100 have been arrested including 440 women and 795 children using Israeli Military Order No. 1651 and Administrative Detention.
PSC condemns all these actions and proposals and reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people throughout historic Palestine.