Part 4/8:
Research by the Israeli watchdog Peace Now has documented that at least 43 new settler outposts emerged over the past year—an alarming increase compared to an average of fewer than seven each year since 1996. While most nations regard the West Bank as occupied territory and consider settlements illegal under international law, this viewpoint was reinforced by the United Nations' top court in July.
Unfortunately, this rapid settlement growth coincides with escalating violence from Jewish settlers directed at Palestinians, which has drawn widespread international condemnation and resulting sanctions from both U.S. and European governments.