Expanding West Bank Settlers Seize Opportunity Amid Gaza War Boost

In the wake of the recent deadly Hamas attack, Israel's extremist settler fringe sees an opportunity to expel Palestinians and expand Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, further undermining the viability of a two-state solution. The attack has emboldened the settlers, providing them with more resources and political support. Settlers have been increasingly carrying out attacks on Palestinians with a sense of impunity, displacing over 1,200 people. Some Zionist organizations are advocating for a return to the Gaza settlements from which they were expelled in 2005. The settlers' actions are becoming more legitimized and have entered the Israeli mainstream, threatening the prospects of peace.