West Bank sees establishment of new settlements, potentially negating prospect of Palestinian nation
In the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis, humanitarian organizations struggle to address the situation in Gaza due to limited access and supplies. Amidst this, a glimmer of hope has emerged as thirty-one patients and their families, totalling nearly 120 people, arrived on three flights from Rome, Milan, and Pisa as part of a humanitarian operation to aid the civilian population of Gaza. This operation, led by Italy, has been hailed as the largest so far by Italian Minister Tajani [1].
Meanwhile, the international community continues to express concern and criticism over the new Israeli settlement plan approved in August 2025. The plan, which aims to build 3,400 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank, is expected to significantly undermine the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian state by effectively splitting the West Bank into two separate parts. This plan restricts Palestinian movement by cutting the land link between key Palestinian cities Ramallah and Bethlehem, a major obstacle to Palestinian statehood [1][2].
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed that the creation of an independent Palestinian state is the only way to achieve lasting peace. Turkey has also condemned Israel's settlement plan to divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem. The EU has called for a halt to the new settlement plan in the West Bank, and the Turkish Foreign Ministry considers the Israeli plan a violation of international law [1].
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron have announced plans to recognize an independent Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and takes other peace steps [1]. However, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti, a leader of Fatah, and stated that the new settlement plan will bury the idea of a Palestinian state [1].
The settlement plan deepens territorial fragmentation for Palestinians and provokes international moves toward recognizing a Palestinian state as a response. It represents a critical escalation in tensions over the West Bank and the viability of a two-state solution.
In Gaza, 86% of the region is now transformed into Israeli militarized zones or subject to evacuation orders. Makeshift shelters, often improvised or obtained, have often deteriorated or been abandoned when people were forced to flee. Almost everyone in Gaza has been displaced at least once since the start of the war [1].
The Israeli ban on the entry of refugee materials has been in place for over five months, according to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. This ban, coupled with the ongoing humanitarian crisis, paints a grim picture for the people of Gaza.
As the situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to deteriorate, the international community remains divided over the best course of action. The one consensus appears to be a growing support for Palestinian recognition and a call for an end to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2025). Israel's new settlement plan in the West Bank sparks international outcry. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/israels-new-settlement-plan-in-the-west-bank-sparks-international-outcry
[2] Middle East Monitor. (2025). Israel's new settlement plan threatens the viability of a two-state solution. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/202508-01-israels-new-settlement-plan-threatens-the-viability-of-a-two-state-solution/
- The average opinon among the international community appears to favor the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, as a response to Israel's policies regarding war-and-conflicts, such as the new settlement plan in the West Bank and the Israeli ban on entry of refugee materials in Gaza.
- Amidst ongoing political dispute, the average news coverage for general-news outlets is focusing on the progression of war-and-conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and the international response to Israel's policies, such as the recent international outcry over the new settlement plan and the humanitarian crisis it aggravates.
