In a recent report, the Palestinian-Israeli rights organization B’tselem has documented a concerning escalation of violence in the West Bank following the onset of military operations that began on October 7, 2023, coinciding with the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza.

The report outlines what B’tselem describes as the 'Gazafication' of the West Bank, as military strategies employed during the Gaza conflict are increasingly mirrored in the occupied territory, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

Since the initiation of military operations, which include intensified airstrikes and ground raids, the West Bank has experienced a notable rise in fatalities, particularly among children.

According to B’tselem, the number of Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank since October 7 exceeds that recorded during the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2004, with reports indicating that over 260 Palestinians, including at least 41 minors, have died in the 17 months from the onset of the Gaza war.

B’tselem's analysis indicates that the scale of forced displacements is unprecedented, with military operations in certain refugee camps resulting in up to 40,000 people being displaced from their homes.

The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has stated that troops will remain in the area for an extended period, suggesting that displaced residents may not be allowed to return.

The Israeli military contends that these operations are aimed at targeting militant factions, although B’tselem and families affected by the violence report a pattern of indiscriminate attacks resulting in civilian casualties.

In the case of child fatalities, families have recounted heart-wrenching stories of loss amid the ongoing violence, highlighting how daily life has been profoundly disrupted.

Data reveals that the killing of children has surged to levels that were previously unseen during the occupation, with policies reportedly allowing for a broader latitude in military engagement leading to civilian harm.

Reports indicate that rules of engagement for Israeli troops have been loosened, permitting soldiers to use lethal force in scenarios previously deemed less justifiable without proper military necessity.

As military operations extended, instances of airstrikes targeting civilian areas, including residential buildings and cafes, have resulted in significant collateral damage.

For instance, an airstrike on October 3, 2024, in Tulkarm killed multiple family members, including young children, illustrating the grim reality of the conflict for civilians.

The ongoing violence has created a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes seeking refuge in overcrowded facilities and lacking adequate access to basic necessities.

Reports from affected families indicate severe psychological and physical tolls as they navigate their new circumstances of displacement, alongside the pervasive fear of future military actions.

According to B’tselem, 180 children have been killed since the initiation of the Gaza war, marking the deadliest period for minors in the West Bank in nearly six decades of occupation.

The organization has called attention to a disturbing trend of violence against civilians that appears to resonate with wartime strategies deployed in Gaza, raising concerns among human rights observers regarding compliance with international humanitarian law.

Amidst the escalating violence, Israeli officials have linked the ongoing military operations in the West Bank as a strategic approach to counter perceived terrorist threats, even while the scale of military engagement and its implications for civilian areas continue to draw criticism from various human rights advocates.

As military operations proceed, the situation for Palestinians in the West Bank remains precarious, amid fears of further violence and civilian harm.