Israeli Military Intensifies West Bank Raids Post-October 7 Hamas Attack, Resulting in Hundreds of Palestinian Deaths

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, the Israeli military has intensified operations in the West Bank, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths, including children. The raids, aimed at suspected militants, have displaced around 40,000 people and caused significant infrastructure damage. Israeli forces have conducted frequent raids in towns and refugee camps, with drone strikes and new checkpoints further restricting movement. Settler violence has also increased, with new outposts established. Humanitarian organizations report severe impacts on civilians, with many living in fear and uncertainty.

A Shift in Focus: From Gaza to the West Bank

While global attention has largely remained fixed on the war in Gaza, a parallel and deadly escalation has unfolded in the West Bank. Following the October 7 attack, in which over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and more than 250 taken hostage by Hamas, the Israeli military launched a broad campaign in the West Bank, citing a growing militant threat.

According to data from the United Nations and Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement watchdog, Israeli military operations in the West Bank have surged in size, frequency, and intensity. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted near-daily raids in Palestinian towns and refugee camps, often resulting in armed clashes.

Casualties: Militants and Civilians

Since the onset of the Gaza war, the majority of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank have died during these military raids. Israel maintains that many of those killed were militants or individuals engaged in violent acts such as throwing stones or firebombs. However, rights groups and Palestinian officials report that numerous civilians have also been caught in the crossfire.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that at least 182 children under the age of 18 have been killed in the West Bank since October 7. While Israeli authorities claim some of these minors were involved in militant activity, human rights organizations argue that the use of force has often been excessive and indiscriminate.

Displacement and Destruction

The military campaign has had a devastating impact on civilian life. In northern West Bank refugee camps—specifically in Jenin, Tulkarem, Nur Shams, and Balata—Israeli forces have launched large-scale offensives. At the height of these operations, approximately 40,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes. Many are now living with relatives in nearby villages or renting apartments at great financial strain.

Israeli officials have stated that those displaced will not be allowed to return for at least a year, citing ongoing security concerns. Meanwhile, the military has demolished hundreds of homes and destroyed critical infrastructure, including roads and water systems. The IDF claims these actions are necessary to dismantle terrorist networks, but the destruction has also affected civilian areas, raising concerns among humanitarian organizations.

New Tactics and Escalation

In a marked escalation, the Israeli military has resumed the use of drone strikes in densely populated areas of the West Bank—tactics that were previously rare in the territory. These strikes have targeted what the IDF describes as militant hideouts and weapons caches, but they have also resulted in civilian casualties and property damage.

The military has also implemented new checkpoints and roadblocks, further restricting movement between Palestinian towns and cities. These measures have turned routine commutes into hours-long journeys and disrupted access to schools, hospitals, and workplaces.

Settler Violence and Expansion

Alongside military operations, violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. According to rights groups, settler attacks causing injury or death have become a near-daily occurrence, particularly in small Bedouin communities under full Israeli control. These attacks often coincide with the establishment of new unauthorized outposts on Palestinian land.

Since the war began, settlers have established approximately 80 new outposts, many of which are populated by extremist activists. The Israeli government, dominated by pro-settler factions, has authorized 13 new settlements during this period, five of which originated as illegal outposts. These developments have further inflamed tensions and contributed to the displacement of Palestinian communities.

Humanitarian Impact

The humanitarian toll of the West Bank offensive is mounting. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the destruction of homes and infrastructure has left thousands without shelter or access to basic services. Aid organizations face increasing difficulty in reaching affected areas due to military restrictions and security risks.

The psychological impact on residents, particularly children, is profound. With drone strikes, home demolitions, and armed raids becoming routine, many Palestinians in the West Bank now live in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.

References

• While the world watches Gaza, here is what's happening in the West Bank
• While world watches Gaza, here is what’s happening in West Bank
• While the world watches Gaza, here is what’s happening in the West Bank
• Humanitarian Situation Update #283 | West Bank | United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Occupied Palestinian Territory