Israel accused of systematically making West Bank unlivable
Israeli human rights group says violence, displacement and restrictions are dismantling conditions needed for Palestinian communities to survive
WEST BANK, Palestine (MNTV) — Israel is facing fresh accusations of systematically dismantling the conditions necessary for Palestinian life in the occupied West Bank, according to a major report by Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem.
The report, titled “The Elimination Project,” describes what it says is a coordinated Israeli campaign operating across several areas, including violence and intimidation, restrictions on movement, economic pressure, disruption of Palestinian social and political life, and forced displacement.
B’Tselem argues that these measures are not isolated policies but interconnected components of a broader effort to weaken Palestinian communities and make their continued existence increasingly difficult. The organization says the escalation has accelerated since October 2023.
According to the report, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since late 2023, while at least 64 Palestinian communities have been displaced.
Thousands more have reportedly lost reliable access to essential services as restrictions, demolitions, violence and displacement reshape daily life.
The report also points to worsening economic conditions. Palestinian unemployment reached 31.3 percent in 2024, compared with 13.1 percent in 2022, reflecting the impact of movement restrictions and the wider disruption of Palestinian economic activity.
Settler violence has emerged as another major element of the worsening situation, with attacks and intimidation contributing to displacement from Palestinian communities.
Road closures and restrictions on movement have further fragmented communities and limited Palestinians’ access to workplaces, schools, healthcare and other basic services.
B’Tselem links the intensification of these policies to an ideology promoted by Israeli far-right figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
His previously outlined “Decisive Plan” envisaged Palestinians being forced into submission, displacement or violent suppression, according to the report.
The findings add to mounting international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories, where settlement expansion, settler violence and displacement have increasingly drawn accusations of ethnic cleansing and systematic violations of Palestinian rights.
B’Tselem says Israel is moving beyond policies that merely control Palestinians toward an openly pursued political project aimed at dismantling the foundations of Palestinian collective life.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
