Palestinians face systematic abuse by Israeli settlers and Hamas alike: Independent investigators
Palestinians Face Systematic Abuse by Israeli Settlers and Hamas: Report
Palestinians face systematic abuse by Israeli – According to a recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, Palestinians are experiencing widespread abuse from both Israeli settlers and Hamas. The findings, released on Tuesday, highlight a consistent pattern of human rights violations across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, with civilians caught in the crossfire of escalating conflict. The focus keyword—*Palestinians face systematic abuse by Israeli*—is central to the report’s conclusions, which underscore the dual pressures on Palestinian communities.
Systematic Abuse Across the Conflict Zones
The Commission’s investigation reveals that all parties involved in the conflict are implicated in “severe violations of human rights law,” with settlers and Hamas-affiliated groups acting as primary perpetrators. These abuses, though driven by different agendas, share a common intent: the deliberate infliction of harm on Palestinian civilians. Settlers, often emboldened by Israeli state policies, target individuals in public spaces, while Hamas has been documented as imposing harsh punishments on civilians under its governance. The report emphasizes that such actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, coordinated strategy.
“Settler violence is a direct outcome of Israeli policies that support, enable, and protect these groups, whereas Hamas has exploited the ongoing Israeli military campaigns to consolidate control over Gaza,” explained Srinivasan Muralidhar, the Commission’s chair. This dual system of abuse reflects the complex interplay between occupation and local governance, leaving Palestinians with few avenues for protection.
Rising Settler Violence in the West Bank
Settler attacks have surged in the West Bank, with at least seven Palestinians killed and 832 injured in 2025 alone—a 130% increase from the previous year. The report details how settlers frequently target children, with incidents reported during play, school trips, and even while tending to animals. These attacks are often accompanied by the use of knives, stones, and other makeshift weapons, underscoring the casual and widespread nature of the violence.
“Settler violence serves as a tool for advancing Israeli state policies, with the government and extremist groups working in tandem to achieve objectives like settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians,” the report stated. This synergy between state actors and settlers creates a climate where civilian harm is常态化 and impunity is widespread.
Israeli Authorities’ Support for Settler Actions
Independent investigators found that Israeli authorities play a critical role in enabling settler violence through financial backing, military coordination, and legal protections. By providing resources and cover, the state facilitates attacks that align with its territorial goals. The Commission noted that this support allows settlers to operate with relative freedom, often without facing significant consequences for their actions.
Brutal Tactics in Gaza Under Hamas Rule
In Gaza, the Commission documented 249 incidents of executions and physical violence between 2024 and 2025, leading to 108 deaths and 384 injuries. These acts, described as retaliatory measures, are justified by Hamas as punishments for collaborating with Israel, looting aid supplies, or internal disagreements. Methods include kneecapping, bone-breaking, and public beatings, which leave lasting psychological and physical scars on the population.
“Hamas-affiliated forces were responsible for at least 60 of these incidents, including two public executions involving 11 men. These actions constitute war crimes, including murder and torture, as well as breaches of humanitarian law,” the Commission concluded. The report further highlights how these tactics are used to maintain control and instill fear among civilians.
Impact on Daily Life and Calls for Accountability
The systematic abuse has disrupted the daily lives of Palestinians, creating an environment of constant threat. Families live in fear of violence during routine activities, while children bear the brunt of settler aggression. Muralidhar warned that the “public nature of Hamas’ punitive measures” deepens trauma in a population already struggling with economic hardship and displacement. He called for accountability mechanisms that address violations by all parties, ensuring justice for victims.
Meanwhile, the report also noted a spike in attacks on Israeli civilians by Palestinian armed groups in 2023, prompting questions about adherence to international humanitarian law. This reciprocal violence complicates efforts to achieve lasting peace, as both sides continue to prioritize military gains over civilian protection. The findings, set to be presented at the Human Rights Council’s 62nd session on 15 June, will pressure global leaders to take decisive action.
Recommendations for Peace and Protection
The Commission’s report urges governments to prioritize civilian safety and establish enforceable accountability for all parties to the conflict. Key recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks to hold settlers and Hamas responsible for their actions, as well as ensuring access to humanitarian aid for affected populations. The three independent commissioners, appointed in May 2021, emphasize that their findings are not partisan but grounded in objective evidence.