Palestine is intensifying its efforts to bring Jewish settlers who attack Palestinian communities to justice through the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
In a statement reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Mustafa emphasized Palestine’s determination to pursue legal action with international support against the settlers and their leaders.
The call for legal action comes in the wake of an armed assault by Jewish settlers on the Palestinian village of Al-Mughayir in the West Bank, resulting in the death of a Palestinian youth and injuries to 18 others.
Prime Minister Mustafa has directed authorities to provide necessary assistance to the affected residents of Al-Mughayir. He reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s resilience in defending their land and thwarting displacement efforts.
The recurring attacks by Jewish settlers, often with backing from the Israeli military, on Palestinian settlements and economic infrastructure in the West Bank have heightened tensions in the region.
Tensions escalated in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from Gaza, resulting in casualties and hostages.
Hamas cited Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as justification. In response, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, conducted a ground operation, and targeted areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Clashes also erupted in the West Bank.
On December 1, the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire and resumed hostilities in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority blamed the United States for the renewed aggression. Since the escalation, casualties in Gaza have exceeded 33,000.
