In a move that has drawn international condemnation, an Israeli minister has approved the issuance of gun licences for 18 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. This decision comes amidst a concerning rise in settler violence against Palestinian communities in the region.
According to the United Nations, over 1,800 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians were documented in 2025 – an alarming average of approximately five incidents per day. These attacks have ranged from physical assaults to property damage, further escalating tensions and jeopardising the fragile security situation.
The decision to arm the illegal settlements has been widely criticised by human rights groups and the international community. Critics argue that this move will only serve to embolden settler extremists and exacerbate the already volatile situation in the occupied territories.
“Arming illegal settlements is a dangerous escalation that will only lead to more violence and suffering,” said Nadia Hijab, the director of a prominent human rights organisation. “It is a clear violation of international law and undermines any prospects for a just and lasting peace.”
The Israeli government has defended the decision, claiming that it is necessary to provide security for the settlements and their residents. However, many observers argue that this measure will only further entrench the occupation and make it more difficult to resolve the conflict.
“This decision is a clear indication that the Israeli government is more interested in maintaining its control over the occupied territories than in finding a peaceful solution,” said Samir Awad, a political analyst based in Ramallah.
The approval of gun licences for the illegal settlements comes at a time when the international community is increasingly vocal in its condemnation of Israel’s settlement expansion and human rights abuses in the West Bank. The United Nations and various human rights organisations have repeatedly called for an end to the occupation and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
As the situation in the region continues to deteriorate, many are concerned that the latest move by the Israeli government will only serve to further inflame tensions and jeopardise any prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
