As of October 20, 2025, the situation in the occupied West Bank remains tense, with ongoing Israeli military operations, settler violence, and political developments shaping daily life for Palestinians.
Israeli Military Actions and Land Seizures
Israeli forces have continued their military operations across the West Bank. In the Nablus governorate, over 70,000 square meters of Palestinian land were seized under military orders, reportedly to establish a buffer zone around the Eli settlement. This action is part of a broader pattern of land confiscation aimed at expanding Israeli settlements in the region. Since the beginning of 2025, 53 such military seizure orders have been issued, further entrenching Israeli control over Palestinian territories
Anadolu Ajansı
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Settler Violence and Clashes with Palestinians
Tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have escalated, particularly during the olive harvest season. In the Turmusayya area near the settlement of Shiloh, settlers reportedly set several vehicles on fire and injured at least three Palestinians. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intervened to disperse the rioters, some reports suggest that soldiers may have allowed the violence to occur. The IDF condemned the incident and emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe harvest season for all residents
The Times of Israel
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Political Developments and Governance Plans
In a significant political development, Nasser al-Qudwa, the nephew of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, has returned to the West Bank after four years in self-imposed exile. Al-Qudwa, who was previously expelled from the Fatah movement, has been readmitted following an amnesty. He proposes a roadmap for post-war Gaza, advocating for Hamas to transition into a political party and relinquish administrative and security control over Gaza. His plan includes forming a Palestinian “council of commissioners” to oversee Gaza, with international supervision but led by Palestinians. Al-Qudwa emphasizes the need for internal reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA), including addressing corruption and restoring public confidence
Reuters
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Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Impact
The humanitarian situation in the West Bank remains dire. Since October 7, 2023, nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settler groups, including 212 children. Over 10,000 Palestinians have been displaced, and more than 37,000 olive trees have been destroyed, severely impacting agriculture and livelihoods. The construction of barriers and checkpoints continues to disrupt daily life, hindering access to essential services and exacerbating the sense of isolation and frustration among Palestinian communities
Al Jazeera
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International Legal Actions
On the international front, Ireland’s High Court has ruled that Irish police must reconsider their decision not to investigate Airbnb’s operations in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The case, brought by the NGO Sadaka, challenges Airbnb’s listings in settlements deemed illegal under international law. While the ruling does not mandate an immediate investigation, it requires the police to reassess the matter, potentially setting a precedent for accountability of companies operating in occupied territories
Reuters
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Conclusion
The situation in the occupied West Bank remains complex and volatile. While international attention has often focused on Gaza, the West Bank continues to experience daily challenges, including military operations, settler violence, and political instability. The developments today underscore the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians in the region and the need for sustained international engagement to address the multifaceted issues at play.