On Monday, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli drones in Khan Younis, while two children reportedly died from exposure to cold, Vatican News reports. These deaths come amid a fragile truce in Gaza and renewed diplomatic efforts, yet they are matched by troubling developments beyond Gaza’s borders.
According to data released by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, so-called “nationalist crimes” committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have risen steadily since October 7, 2023.
In total, 1,720 such assaults have been recorded over that period.
The most recent figures are particularly stark. In 2025 alone, there were 845 incidents attributed to settlers, resulting in around 200 injuries and four deaths. This marks an increase of roughly 25% compared to 2024, when 675 cases were documented, with 149 Palestinians wounded and six killed, as reported by Haaretz.
Analysts cited by the newspaper warn that the growing number of attacks is undermining security and stability across the West Bank.
Police responses, they argue, have been insufficient, raising concerns within Israel’s own security establishment. Senior army commanders are now reportedly questioning whether law enforcement agencies can manage the situation without military reinforcement.
If the violence continues at its current pace, the army may be forced to deploy significant numbers of regular and reserve troops to the region. Such a move would represent a serious escalation and could further strain relations between Israeli authorities and Palestinian communities already living under intense pressure.
"Phase 2" in Gaza
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue on another front. Negotiations on “Phase 2” of the Gaza peace plan are underway, with a Hamas delegation currently in Egypt for consultations on implementing the ceasefire.
Discussions also include the possible creation of a committee of independent Palestinian technocrats to oversee governance issues, according to Vatican News.
Oversight of the process lies with the Peace Council; the council is chaired by Donald Trump and includes leaders from Italy, Great Britain, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
Despite the truce, the humanitarian toll remains severe. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters that at least 100 children have been killed in raids since the ceasefire began, a reminder that pauses in fighting have not translated into lasting safety for civilians.
These parallel crises — escalating settler violence in the West Bank and ongoing civilian suffering in Gaza — highlight how fragile the current moment remains, even as international actors search for a path toward stability.
