Israeli Settlers Forcefully Expelling Palestinians, Erasing Communities: Reports

This distressing trend has resulted in the disappearance of certain Palestinian communities, according to the NRC's report released on Thursday.

Over the past 20 months, around 500 Palestinians from seven communities have experienced forced displacement, as outlined by the NRC. Ana Povrzenic, NRC's country director for Palestine, denounced these actions, stating, "There are entire Palestinian communities being wiped off the map, a shameful legacy of unrelenting violence, intimidation and harassment perpetuated by Israeli settlers and, in some cases, encouraged by Israeli authorities."

Povrzenic emphasized the dire consequences of these actions on Palestinians, remarking, "The rapid establishment of settlement outposts and takeover of Palestinian land is choking Palestinian communities, destroying their livelihoods, and putting Palestinian lives at risk. Palestinians have no choice but to flee, leaving behind their homes, schools, and jobs." The NRC warned that further Palestinian communities could face forced displacement unless Israel is held accountable.

Recent incidents include the forcible displacement of a dozen families, totaling 89 Palestinians, including 39 children, from Ras At-Tin village east of Ramallah. Settler harassment and intimidation prompted this displacement, as Israeli settlers seized grazing lands and established a vineyard near an Israeli military base.

The NRC's report underscored the heightened risk of forced displacement faced by approximately 60 Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Factors contributing to this risk include Israeli settler and soldier violence, settlement expansion, and discriminatory policies and practices, including unlawful planning and zoning regulations.

Warning of further consequences, Povrzenic asserted, "Without holding Israel accountable, more and more Palestinian communities will be forcibly transferred. How many more Ras At-Tins must there be before the international community acts?"

Currently, more than 700,000 Israelis reside in over 279 settlements established since Israel's 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Despite being illegal under international law, Israel's settlement expansion continues in open violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In a separate matter, reports indicate that the Israeli regime has withheld the bodies of 30 Palestinians since the start of the year, including 11 who were prisoners. Mohammed Eliyyan, a lawyer, is publicly sharing the names of these Palestinians whose bodies are being held, expressing solidarity with the families of the martyrs.