Israel’s war on Gaza continues to claim lives as assaults in the West Bank persist, with at least 703 people killed by Israeli forces since October 7. This visual overview delves into the geography, history, and living conditions of Palestinians in the West Bank, which is approximately 15 times larger than Gaza.
The Jordan River flows through the West Bank, providing fertile soil for agriculture but is controlled by Israeli restrictions, limiting Palestinian access. The West Bank is home to approximately 3.3 million Palestinians and 700,000 illegal Israeli settlers in more than 250 settlements.
Since 1967, Israel has maintained a military occupation in the West Bank, leading to demolitions of Palestinian structures, displacing thousands. The area is divided into A, B, and C zones, with Israel retaining control over security, planning, and construction in Area C.
Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are illegal under international law, with settlers enjoying citizenship and government subsidies. The construction of a separation wall and checkpoints severely restrict Palestinian movement, while Israelis have free access through bypass roads.
The Old City of Jerusalem, primarily populated by Palestinians, is sacred to multiple religions but has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The West Bank also hosts refugee camps with over 870,000 registered refugees. Israeli assaults have claimed the lives of at least 50 Palestinians in recent attacks across the West Bank.
With ongoing violence and restrictions, Palestinians in the West Bank continue to face daily struggles under Israeli occupation, challenging their livelihood and rights.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
