‘They’re allowed to do what they want’: Palestinians describe surge in settler attacks – France 24

Report on Settler Violence in the West Bank and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report details a significant escalation in violent incidents perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. These attacks, which have reached unprecedented levels, directly undermine multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The destruction of economic assets, agricultural land, and private property, coupled with a climate of impunity, severely impedes progress towards SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The findings indicate a systematic erosion of security, economic stability, and the rule of law for Palestinians in the region.

Analysis of Incidents in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Undermining Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

Recent events demonstrate a severe deterioration of peace and security, coupled with a failure of justice mechanisms. The lack of accountability for perpetrators contravenes the core principles of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful societies and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

• November 11 Attack: Dozens of settlers attacked a Palestinian-owned dairy warehouse in Beit Lid, torching vehicles and injuring four workers. This act of violence disrupts community peace and safety.
• November 8 Attack: Settlers assaulted Palestinian olive harvesters and international volunteers in Burin, causing injuries and stealing produce.
• Systemic Impunity: According to the Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din, 94% of cases involving offenses by Israelis against Palestinians are closed without indictment, indicating a systemic failure to provide justice for victims.
• Alleged State Complicity: A United Nations report notes that in nearly half of all violent incidents, Israeli forces were observed accompanying or actively supporting the settlers. Human rights groups describe this as settler violence operating as an “unofficial arm of the state,” further weakening institutional integrity.

Threatening Economic Stability and Livelihoods (SDG 8 & SDG 1)

The targeted destruction of businesses and agricultural resources constitutes a direct assault on the economic well-being of Palestinian communities, pushing them further into poverty (SDG 1) and destroying opportunities for decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

1. Destruction of Economic Assets: Attacks have resulted in the torching of commercial vehicles, lorries, and agricultural facilities, crippling local businesses and eliminating jobs.
2. Impact on Agriculture: The primary target of attacks remains the agricultural sector, particularly olive groves, which are a crucial source of income for many Palestinian families.
3. World Bank Findings: A World Bank report highlights the severe economic consequences, stating that 16% of West Bank farmers have ceased cultivation due to security and economic challenges, and two-thirds have experienced a 50% loss of income.

Jeopardizing Food Security and Environmental Integrity (SDG 2 & SDG 15)

The systematic destruction of agricultural land and resources directly threatens food security (SDG 2) and harms the local ecosystem (SDG 15).

• Destruction of Olive Groves: During the 2025 harvest season alone, over 4,200 olive trees were reported damaged or destroyed by settlers, diminishing a vital food and income source.
• Harassment and Obstruction: Acts of harassment, including blocking access roads and armed assaults during the harvest, prevent farmers from securing their crops, further impacting food availability.
• Environmental Degradation: Incidents have been recorded of settlers dumping industrial waste on Palestinian farmland, contaminating the soil and undermining the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems as outlined in SDG 15.

Displacing Communities and Creating Insecure Settlements (SDG 11)

The violence and intimidation are key drivers of displacement, preventing the formation of safe, resilient, and sustainable communities for Palestinians (SDG 11). The establishment of illegal settlements under international law exacerbates this instability.

• Forced Displacement: Testimonies from farmers reveal that the goal of the persistent attacks is to instill fear and force Palestinians to abandon their land and homes.
• Establishment of Outposts: A pattern has been identified where settlers establish outposts on hilltops, which are then protected by the army and provided with infrastructure. This process leads to the seizure of Palestinian land and the creation of zones of terror that prevent Palestinians from accessing their property.

Conclusion

The escalating violence by settlers in the West Bank, facilitated by a culture of impunity and alleged state complicity, poses a direct threat to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The attacks systematically dismantle the foundations for peace (SDG 16), eradicate economic opportunities (SDG 8), create food insecurity (SDG 2), and lead to the displacement of communities (SDG 11). Addressing this violence and ensuring accountability are critical prerequisites for achieving any meaningful and sustainable development in the region.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights several issues related to violence, economic disruption, and justice, which connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This is the most prominent SDG, as the article’s core theme is violence against a specific population, the lack of accountability for perpetrators, and the failure of state institutions to provide protection and justice. The text details attacks, injuries, and a system where “settlers are seldom arrested or prosecuted”.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The attacks directly undermine the economic well-being and livelihoods of Palestinians. The destruction of a dairy warehouse, vehicles, olive groves, and shops represents a direct assault on productive activities, employment, and sources of income.
   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article focuses heavily on attacks against the agricultural sector, specifically olive harvesters and farms. Olives are described as a “crucial source of income for many Palestinians”. By destroying trees and stealing harvests, the attacks threaten food security and the economic viability of small-scale food producers.
   • SDG 15: Life on Land: The deliberate destruction of thousands of olive trees (“more than 4,200 olive trees and saplings were damaged or destroyed”) and the dumping of industrial waste on farmland constitute a direct attack on terrestrial ecosystems and contribute to land degradation.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The violence and intimidation aim to displace people from their land and homes. The article mentions a farmer’s neighbor who “fled out of fear and terror and still has not returned to his home”, which relates to the goal of making human settlements safe and inclusive.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article provides extensive evidence of the failure to meet this target, describing “unprecedented levels” of violence, including physical assaults (“suffered a severe beating that caused three fractures”), arson (torched vehicles, lorries, tents), and vandalism.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. This target is directly undermined. The article states that “settlers are seldom arrested or prosecuted” and cites a human rights organization (Yesh Din) finding that “94% of cases involving offences committed by Israelis against Palestinians are closed without indictment”. The quote, “If your adversary is the judge, who do you complain to?” encapsulates the lack of access to justice.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… The attacks prevent farmers and workers from carrying out their jobs safely. The World Bank is cited, stating that “16 percent of West Bank farmers have halted cultivation due to security and economic challenges, and two-thirds have lost half of their income,” demonstrating a direct negative impact on employment and income.
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers… The actions described in the article work directly against this target. The destruction of olive trees, theft of harvests (“stole the olives we had already picked”), and prevention of farmers from accessing their land actively reduce the productivity and income of these small-scale producers.
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services… The article details the destruction of over 4,200 olive trees and the dumping of industrial waste on farmland, which are clear examples of damaging terrestrial ecosystems and preventing their sustainable use.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure the lack of progress towards the identified targets:

   • For Target 16.1 (Reduce Violence):
     • Indicator: Number of recorded violent incidents. The article provides specific data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: “115 cases [in 2006], rising to 399 in 2013… climbed to 1,485 incidents in the first 10 months of 2025”.
     • Indicator: Number of injuries resulting from violence. The article mentions “four Palestinian workers” injured in one attack and “several people injured” in another.
   • For Target 16.3 (Access to Justice):
     • Indicator: Proportion of cases investigated and leading to indictment. The article cites a specific figure from Yesh Din: “94% of cases involving offences committed by Israelis against Palestinians are closed without indictment”. This serves as a direct measure of impunity.
   • For Targets 8.5 (Decent Work) and 2.3 (Agricultural Productivity):
     • Indicator: Percentage of farmers ceasing agricultural activities. The World Bank data shows “16 percent of West Bank farmers have halted cultivation”.
     • Indicator: Percentage of income loss for farmers. The article states that “two-thirds have lost half of their income,” according to the World Bank.
   • For Target 15.1 (Life on Land):
     • Indicator: Number of trees destroyed. A UN report is cited, stating that “more than 4,200 olive trees and saplings were damaged or destroyed by settlers during the 2025 harvest season”.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. 16.3: Promote the rule of law… and ensure equal access to justice for all.	– Number of violent incidents recorded by the UN (1,485 in the first 10 months of 2025). – Number of injuries reported among workers and farmers. – Proportion of legal cases against settlers closed without indictment (94%).
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all…	– Percentage of farmers who have halted cultivation (16%). – Proportion of farmers who have lost half of their income (two-thirds). – Destruction of economic assets (dairy warehouse, vehicles, shops).
   SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers…	– Theft of agricultural produce (bags of olives). – Prevention of farmers from accessing their land for harvesting. – Destruction of agricultural inputs (olive trees).
   SDG 15: Life on Land	15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial… ecosystems…	– Number of olive trees and saplings damaged or destroyed (over 4,200). – Incidents of industrial waste dumping on agricultural land.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing…	– Reports of individuals and communities being forced to leave their homes and land due to fear and terror.

Source: france24.com