Occupation, violence, and displacement in the West Bank

Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has intensified violence in
the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). This violence escalated after
attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent military
campaign in Gaza. This study examines the possible impacts of military and
land occupation on displacement, injuries, and deaths in the West
Bank. This cross-sectional observational study analyses
casualties and displacement data in the West Bank and Israel from May 1,
2014, to June 30, 2024. Sources include the United Nations Office of
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Statista, and the Palestinian
Central Bureau of Statistics. Death and injury rates per 100,000
person-years were calculated and compared across populations. Interrupted
time-series analysis compared observed Palestinian deaths, injuries, and
displacement to expected levels since October 2023. Chi-square analysis
examined demolition patterns by West Bank area. GIS mapping methods
visualized spatial variations in casualties and demolitions. Death and
injury rates were substantially higher for Palestinians than Israelis:
RR=5.72 (95% CI 2.38, 13.75; p <0.001) for deaths and
RR=16.47 (6.86, 39.56; p<0.001) for injuries. Refugee camps had
increased death rates: IRR = 7.91 (5.26, 11.89; p < 0.0001)
compared to non-refugee camp populations. Since October 2023, West Bank
deaths were 25% higher than expected: RR = 1.25 (1.15, 1.36; p <
0.0001) and displacement 17% higher: RR = 1.17 (1.12, 1.21; p <
0.0001). Nablus and Jenin recorded the highest fatalities. Jabal
al-Mukkabir in East Jerusalem experienced the highest number of
demolitions. Our study confirms a significant disparity in rates
of conflict-related traumatic injuries and deaths between Palestinians and
Israelis. The findings emphasize the need to limit military force against
civilians, to hold the Israeli government accountable for demolitions and
displacement, and to instigate protective measures in refugee communities.
Policy efforts should prioritize conflict de-escalation, including
reaching a sustainable political solution.