Mass Displacement in West Bank Hits Historic Highs
The United Nations has reported an unprecedented surge in displacement in the West Bank in 2025. This marks the highest levels since Israel’s occupation began nearly six decades ago. The spike follows an Israeli military operation launched in January, causing widespread forced movement of Palestinian residents. Concerns about ethnic cleansing and violations of international law have intensified amid rising violence and demolitions.
Background
The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Six-Day War. Over the years, military actions and settlement expansions have led to repeated displacements. The recent military operation, named “Iron Wall,” is the longest since the early 2000s second Intifada. It has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians, impacting refugee camps in the northern West Bank.
Scale and Impact of Recent Displacements
Since January 2025, approximately 30,000 Palestinians remain forcibly displaced. Israeli authorities have issued demolition orders for about 1,400 homes in this period. Since late 2023, demolitions displaced nearly 3,000 Palestinians across the West Bank. Additionally, settler violence has forced another 2,400 Palestinians, half of them children, to flee their homes. The combined effect has emptied large areas of their Palestinian population.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Forced displacement of civilians in occupied territories violates international humanitarian law. The UN Human Rights Office warns such acts could amount to ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity. The permanent transfer of a civilian population under occupation is illegal. These concerns arise from the scale and nature of displacements and demolitions by military and settler groups.
Escalation of Violence and Settler Attacks
Settler attacks have increased by 13% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. Over 750 attacks were recorded, injuring 96 Palestinians in June alone—the highest monthly toll in over 20 years. Violence surged after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which led to war in Gaza. Since then, nearly 1,000 Palestinians and over 50 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and Israel.
Broader Context
The conflict is deeply rooted in competing national claims and historical grievances. The ongoing military operations and settler expansions exacerbate tensions. International calls for restraint and dialogue continue amid fears of further destabilisation. The humanitarian crisis worsens with displacement, violence, and destruction of homes affecting civilian lives and prospects for peace.
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