West Bank: settlement expansion, violence & incitement fuel tensions - Briefing | United Nations

“In Gaza, delays in the implementation of UNSCR 2803, alongside daily violence and a continuing humanitarian crisis, have replaced the early momentum following the ceasefire,” the UN's Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said. As the Security Council held its monthly briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, “In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, settlement expansion, settler-related violence, and incitement continue to drive tensions. As talks on advancing to Phase II of the ceasefire continue, calls are emerging in some circles for a resumption of widespread hostilities.” Alakbarov also said, “As diplomatic efforts continue, people's lived reality in Gaza is marked by deep uncertainty. Israeli strikes continue on a nearly daily basis, killing dozens, alongside armed activity by Hamas and other Palestinian groups. Israeli authorities have said that strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted Hamas militants and related infrastructure. The Israeli Government said that it now controls 60 percent of Gaza, up from 52 percent since the ceasefire.” Turning to the West Bank again, he said, “Throughout the West Bank, the frequency and severity of settler attacks have significantly increased in 2026, with some 220 Palestinian communities having faced attacks, which are increasingly leading to the displacement of entire communities.”


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