Over 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, deemed illegal under international lawMore than 140 settler outposts have been set up without Israeli government approval since the 1990s. PHOTO: REUTERSDiplomats from 13 European countries and Canada on Saturday slammed growing “terror” by settlers against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after a surge in deadly attacks. Since the start of March, six Palestinians have been shot dead in settler attacks in the West Bank, according to a tally of data from the Ramallah-based health ministry. Alongside roughly three million Palestinians, more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law. Official Israeli figures say 45 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, have also been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations.

Source: The Express Tribune March 21, 2026 17:01 UTC