While the world has been watching the war and devastating humanitarian crisis unfold in the Gaza Strip, escalating violence in the West Bank — around 70 miles away — is also taking a huge toll on communities.
More than 475 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied Palestinian territory so far this year as of Dec. 14 — 276 since Oct. 7 alone, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, or UNOCHA. Two-thirds of fatalities have occurred during search-and-arrest military operations. Four Israelis — including three members of Israeli forces — have also been killed. More than 1,200 Palestinians in the territory have been displaced from their homes.
The surge in violence is also impacting aid organizations’ ability to work in the fragmented territory.
About the author
Helen Morgan
Helen Morgan is a journalist and editor, primarily focusing on climate change, migration, humanitarian crises, and human rights. She was previously an Associate Editor at Devex, where she managed the op-eds section and led a project covering climate resilience in small island developing states. Helen was also features editor at World Politics Review, and editor and writer at the environmental think tank WRI, as well as editing for The New Humanitarian. She lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.
