World News
Palestinian political leader warns of unprecedented settler attacks and settlement expansion in West Bank
Mustafa Barghouti accused Israeli authorities of enabling settler violence, expanding E1 settlements, and violating ceasefire terms in Gaza.
The short version
- Palestinian National Initiative leader Mustafa Barghouti stated that Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has escalated to an unprecedented level.
- Barghouti criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to the violence and warned that new housing bids in the E1 area threaten to divide the West Bank.
- The remarks also addressed Gaza, alleging widespread Israeli ceasefire violations and asserting Palestinian readiness to accept a US-proposed framework.
Key facts
- Palestinian National Initiative secretary general Mustafa Barghouti asserted in a France 24 interview that Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels, describing it as an effort toward ethnic cleansing.[France 24]
- Barghouti dismissed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's condemnation of settler violence, pointing out that no arrests had been made following attacks in the village of Qusra.[France 24]
- Barghouti stated that Israeli bidding for over 1,200 housing units in the E1 area would bifurcate the West Bank and displace local Palestinian communities.[France 24]
- According to the Palestinian territory's health ministry, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 1,334 people since an October 2025 ceasefire began.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Barghouti's claim that Israel has committed 3,000 ceasefire violations since October 2025 has not been independently verified.[France 24]
- The readiness of all Palestinian factions to fully adhere to the US-proposed plan, including disarming to a civilian authority, remains unconfirmed outside faction statements.[France 24]