Story perspectives

Surge in West Bank Violence: Settler Abuses Escalate

12/13/2025

Center

Owais Hammam Kidnapped

In December 2025, Owais Hammam, 18, a Palestinian, was kidnapped and abused by Jewish settlers.
The United Nations identified this rise in West Bank settler violence as the worst since 2006.
The Israeli government, under pro-settler leaders, weakened institutional checks and transferred Civil Administration to political control, diminishing its ability to manage settler expansion.
Armed settler groups now operate alongside security forces, blurring lines and signaling a governance shift.

Left

Kolb Confronts Violence

A mob of Israeli settlers attacked Luisa Kolb, a 28-year-old American peace volunteer, in the West Bank while she watched a Palestinian family facing harassment.
The assault included threats against a Palestinian grandmother and children.
Kolb criticized the lack of response from the U.S. Embassy and noted the emotional toll on Palestinians and international supporters, despite a claimed peace deal.

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Owais Hammam Kidnapped

In December 2025, Owais Hammam, 18, a Palestinian, was kidnapped and abused by Jewish settlers.
The United Nations identified this rise in West Bank settler violence as the worst since 2006.
The Israeli government, under pro-settler leaders, weakened institutional checks and transferred Civil Administration to political control, diminishing its ability to manage settler expansion.
Armed settler groups now operate alongside security forces, blurring lines and signaling a governance shift.

1 / 2