Why It Matters:
As much of the world’s attention has focused on the war in Gaza, growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and land grabs in the occupied territory have raised concerns among some of Israel’s Western allies.
The Big Picture:
Since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state. Israel has built settlements there, which are illegal under international law.
Trump has announced the lifting of US sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The decision marks a significant shift in US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that this move undermines international law and could further complicate efforts towards a peaceful resolution in the region. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising it as a step towards recognizing Israeli sovereignty, while others condemn it as a violation of Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
Key Points:
- Trump issued the order, among a slew of controversial moves, as he returned to the White House on Monday.
- The sanctions were imposed by his predecessor, former US President Joe Biden, via an executive order in February.
Go Deeper:
Since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, at least 860 Palestinians, including 175 children, have been killed and more than 6,700 wounded in attacks by the Israeli army and settlers across the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
