The escalation began in spring 2022 following a series of attacks by Palestinians inside Israel that killed 19 Israelis between March 22 and May 7. Israel responded by launching 'Operation Break the Wave'—near-nightly military raids into West Bank cities and refugee camps, particularly Jenin and Nablus. These cities had become centers of renewed armed Palestinian resistance with the emergence of groups like the Jenin Brigades (founded September 2021), the Lions' Den in Nablus, and the Balata Brigades. The Israeli operations involved massive deployments of troops, bulldozers destroying infrastructure and roads, use of live ammunition in densely populated areas, and increasingly, aerial bombardment including drone strikes. By the end of 2022, 220 Palestinians had been killed including 48 children—the highest annual toll since the Second Intifada ended in 2005.
The violence was not limited to armed confrontations. According to Middle East Eye's analysis, the majority of Palestinian casualties in 2022 were likely unarmed at the time of their death. At least 95 Palestinians were shot by Israeli soldiers as bystanders during army raids or while participating in anti-occupation demonstrations. Seven women and girls were killed, including 15-year-old Jana Zakarneh shot twice in the face while playing with her cat on her rooftop, and 15-year-old Fulla al-Masalma killed a day before her birthday. The most internationally significant killing was that of Shireen Abu Akleh, Al Jazeera's veteran Palestinian correspondent, shot in the head on May 11, 2022 while covering a raid in Jenin. Despite wearing a clearly marked PRESS vest and standing with other journalists, Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli fire. The UN Commission of Inquiry investigated and concluded 'on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification under international human rights law and, intentionally or recklessly, violated Abu Akleh's right to life.'
The violence intensified further in 2023. In January, a raid on Jenin killed 10 Palestinians including a 61-year-old woman shot through the neck while watching from her bedroom window. In February, 11 Palestinians were killed in Nablus including civilians shot in the back while fleeing. In July, Israel conducted its largest West Bank operation in 20 years—a 14-hour assault on Jenin refugee camp using drones, helicopter gunships, and hundreds of troops, killing 12 and forcing 500 families to flee. By December 2023, Doctors Without Borders declared it 'the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank in recorded history' with 507 killed including 127 children. The UN Commission found Israeli forces systematically violated international law by applying combat rules to law enforcement situations, using disproportionate force, failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants, obstructing medical care, and conducting what amounted to extrajudicial executions. Meanwhile, settler violence also surged—the UN recorded over 800 settler attacks on Palestinians between October 2022 and May 2024, often occurring with Israeli military acquiescence or participation.
Palestinians Killed in 2022 220
Including 48 children, 7 women/girls. 167 in West Bank/East Jerusalem, 53 in Gaza. Deadliest year since 2006
Palestinians Killed in 2023 507
Including 127 children (Gaza war period Oct-Dec accounts for significant increase). Deadliest year in recorded history
Unarmed Bystanders/Protesters Killed (2022) At least 95
Shot during raids or demonstrations. Majority of 2022 casualties likely unarmed at time of death
Child Fatalities (2022-2023) 78+ children
48 in 2022, 30+ in 2023 pre-Gaza war. Includes Jana Zakarneh (15), Mahmoud Samoudi (12), Fulla al-Masalma (15)
Journalist Killed: Shireen Abu Akleh 1
Al Jazeera correspondent shot May 11, 2022 in Jenin. UN Commission: killed intentionally or recklessly by Israeli forces
Palestinians Injured in 2022 9,000+
Over 9,000 injured by Israeli forces in West Bank during 2022 according to UN
January 2023 Jenin Raid 10 killed
Jan 26: 10 Palestinians killed including elderly woman shot in neck, 16-year-old crushed by military vehicle
February 2023 Nablus Raid 11 killed
Feb 22: 11 killed, 102 injured (82 by live fire). Video shows two men shot in back while fleeing
July 2023 Jenin Incursion 12 killed
Jul 3-4: Largest West Bank operation in 20 years. Drones, helicopters, 500+ troops. 12 killed, 100 injured, 500 families fled
Israelis Killed (Spring 2022) 19
19 Israelis killed in attacks March-May 2022 that triggered Operation Break the Wave. 4 soldiers, 8 settlers targeted in West Bank
Settler Attacks on Palestinians 800+
UN recorded 800+ settler attacks Oct 2023-May 2024. Often occur during/after IDF raids with military acquiescence
Navi Pillay
“In presenting October 2023 report: 'Israel applies the framework governing conduct of hostilities to law enforcement operations in the West Bank, contrary to international law, resulting in civilians being killed and injured. The Commission has documented alarming trends in Israeli security forces' use of force...The operations in Jenin in 2023 appear to have included the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force.'”
Shatha Zakarneh
“Describing daughter's killing: 'Jana was on our roof playing with her cat. She wasn't protesting, she wasn't near any fighting. An Israeli sniper shot her twice in the face. My daughter was just a child playing with her pet. How can they say she was a threat? They killed her for no reason except that she was Palestinian.' Jana died January 2023.”
Al Jazeera (institutional)
“Statement after Shireen Abu Akleh's killing: 'We hold the Israeli government and the Israeli occupation forces responsible for the killing of Shireen. We call on the international community to condemn and hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for deliberately targeting and killing our colleague.' Emphasized she was clearly marked as press.”
António Guterres
“After January 2023 Jenin raid: 'I am deeply concerned by the dangerous trajectory of the violence in the occupied West Bank...The level of violence is shocking. Israeli security operations and Palestinian attacks are on the increase. I call on all to avoid further escalation.' Later: 'We continue to see a pattern of Israeli forces using lethal force unnecessarily.'”
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)
“December 2023 statement: 'In 2023, we witnessed the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank in recorded history...The violence has deeply traumatized communities. Our teams treat patients with gunshot wounds almost daily. Israeli forces repeatedly obstruct medical care, fire near ambulances, and create an environment where providing healthcare is increasingly dangerous.'”
Wafa Obaid
“Describing mother's killing: 'My mother was in her bedroom, looking out the window at what was happening in the street during the raid. An Israeli sniper shot her through the neck. She was 61 years old, not a fighter, not a threat. Just a grandmother watching from her window. They killed her in her own home.' Majida died in January 2023 Jenin raid.”
B'Tselem (Israeli human rights organization)
“Statement on 2022 violence: 'The death toll in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the highest since 2006...Israel's open-fire policy in the West Bank allows security forces to use potentially lethal force even when their lives are not in danger. This policy turns every military activity and every Palestinian demonstration into a life-threatening situation for Palestinians.'”
UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine
“After hospital raid January 2024: 'Disguising military forces as medical workers and Muslim women to execute Palestinians inside a hospital may amount to war crimes. Under international humanitarian law, killing the wounded is prohibited. Using perfidy to kill is a war crime. The international community must act.'”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas
“After February 2023 Nablus raid: 'What happened in Nablus is a massacre. We hold the Israeli occupation government fully responsible. We have decided to suspend security coordination with the Israeli side. The Israeli government is responsible for the dangerous escalation and its consequences.'”
Unlawful Killing of Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
May 11, 2022: Al Jazeera correspondent shot in head while covering Jenin raid. Wearing clearly marked PRESS vest, standing with journalists. UN Commission concluded 'on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification under international human rights law and, intentionally or recklessly, violated Abu Akleh's right to life.' Identified Duvdevan Unit as likely responsible. Intentional or reckless killing of clearly marked journalist is war crime.
Extrajudicial Executions
Palestinians accuse Israeli forces of assassination policy targeting armed group leaders. In three incidents in 2022, Israeli forces fatally shot 9 Palestinian fighters while inside vehicles in what Palestinians called 'field executions.' Pattern of targeted killings without arrest attempts. Video from Feb 2023 Nablus shows two men shot in back while fleeing—indicative of willful killing.
Unnecessary and Disproportionate Force
UN Commission concluded several 2023 Jenin operations 'appear to have included use of unnecessary and disproportionate force by Israeli security forces.' Includes use of drones, helicopters, hundreds of troops in densely populated refugee camps. Artillery-like force in law enforcement context violates international human rights law.
Killing of 78+ Children
At least 78 children killed 2022-2023 including many unarmed bystanders. Jana Zakarneh (15) shot twice in face while playing with cat on rooftop. Mahmoud Samoudi (12) shot during raid. Zaid Ghonaim (15) shot while hiding in parking garage. Wasim Abu Jaes (16) crushed by military vehicle. Willful killing of children violates Fourth Geneva Convention Article 147.
Obstruction of Medical Care
Systematic pattern of Israeli forces firing on ambulances, preventing medical personnel from reaching wounded, delaying evacuations. Jan 2023 Jenin: ambulances fired upon, tear gas shot at hospital pediatric ward. May 2023: medical sources report forces restricted ambulance movement. Denying medical care to wounded violates Geneva Conventions.
Hospital Raid with Perfidy (War Crime)
January 2024: Israeli commandos disguised as medical staff and Muslim women entered Jenin hospital, shot dead three Palestinians inside. UN experts: may amount to war crimes. Perfidy (feigning protected status to kill) explicitly prohibited under Geneva Conventions Additional Protocol I Article 37. Killing wounded even if militants also violates IHL.
Misapplication of Legal Framework
UN Commission finding: Israel applies combat rules (IHL conduct of hostilities) to law enforcement situations in West Bank, contrary to international law. This results in use of lethal force not justified under human rights law governing law enforcement. Systematic policy decision enabling unlawful killings.
Destruction of Civilian Property
Systematic use of bulldozers to destroy roads, infrastructure, homes during raids. July 2023 Jenin: massive destruction of refugee camp infrastructure. Pattern of destruction far exceeding military necessity. Extensive destruction not justified by military operations is grave breach under Fourth Geneva Convention Article 147.
Misapplication of Legal Framework - Core Violation
Law Enforcement vs. Conduct of Hostilities: UN Commission determined Israel unlawfully applies IHL rules on conduct of hostilities to law enforcement in West Bank. Correct framework is international human rights law which strictly limits use of lethal force.
International Humanitarian Law Violations
Fourth Geneva Convention Article 27: Protected persons 'shall be treated humanely...protected against all acts of violence.' Killing of 78+ children, journalists, medical obstruction violate this core protection.
UN Commission Findings (October 2023)
Shireen Abu Akleh: Commission found 'on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification...and, intentionally or recklessly, violated Abu Akleh's right to life.'
Specific Protected Persons Violations
Children: Convention on Rights of Child and Fourth Geneva Convention Article 24 provide special protection. Killing 78+ children, many unarmed, violates these protections.
Accountability Requirements
Duty to Investigate: Geneva Conventions require States investigate grave breaches. Israel has systematically failed to conduct meaningful investigations.
Misapplication of Legal Framework - Core Violation
Right to Life (ICCPR Article 6): Lethal force only permissible when 'strictly necessary' to protect against imminent threat to life. UN found Israeli forces killed civilians not posing such threats—violations of right to life.
International Humanitarian Law Violations
Article 147 (Grave Breaches): 'Wilful killing...wilfully causing great suffering...extensive destruction...not justified by military necessity' are grave breaches. 500+ killings, property destruction meet threshold.
UN Commission Findings (October 2023)
Jenin Operations: Several 2023 operations 'appear to have included unnecessary and disproportionate force.' Use of drones, helicopters in densely populated areas violates proportionality.
Specific Protected Persons Violations
Medical Personnel: Geneva Conventions require protection of medical workers. Firing on ambulances, obstructing care, tear-gassing hospital violate absolute protections.
Accountability Requirements
Command Responsibility: Senior military and political officials who knew or should have known of violations and failed to prevent/punish may bear criminal responsibility.
Misapplication of Legal Framework - Core Violation
Basic Principles on Use of Force and Firearms (1990): 'Intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.' Majority of West Bank killings do not meet this standard.
International Humanitarian Law Violations
Protection of Journalists: Additional Protocol I Article 79 protects journalists as civilians. Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh—clearly marked press—is grave breach.
UN Commission Findings (October 2023)
Pattern of Violations: 'Israel applies framework governing conduct of hostilities to law enforcement operations in West Bank, contrary to international law, resulting in civilians being killed and injured.'
Specific Protected Persons Violations
Wounded: Even wounded combatants protected once hors de combat. January 2024 hospital killings of wounded violate Common Article 3.
Accountability Requirements
ICC Jurisdiction: International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over situation in Palestine. West Bank killings fall within investigation.
Misapplication of Legal Framework - Core Violation
Systematic Policy: Misapplication of legal framework is policy decision by Israeli government, not error. Enables systematic unlawful killings across entire territory.
International Humanitarian Law Violations
Perfidy Prohibition: Additional Protocol I Article 37 prohibits feigning protected status to kill. January 2024 hospital raid with commandos disguised as medical staff constitutes perfidy—war crime.
UN Commission Findings (October 2023)
Settler Violence: Commission documented increase in settler attacks on Palestinians, often with Israeli military acquiescence or participation—State responsibility for violations.
Specific Protected Persons Violations
Women and Families: Majida Obaid (61) shot in neck watching from window; Fulla al-Masalma (15) killed day before birthday—demonstrate indiscriminate nature of force.
Accountability Requirements
State Responsibility: Israel bears State responsibility for violations by its forces and for settler violence it fails to prevent.
1949-present Benjamin Netanyahu
Returned to power Dec 2022 with far-right coalition. Authorized Operation Break the Wave and subsequent escalations. Defended killings as counter-terrorism. Government rejected all international criticism and UN findings.
1958-present Yoav Gallant
Oversaw military operations in West Bank during 2022-2023. Authorized major Jenin operations including July 2023 incursion with aerial bombardment. Defended use of force as proportionate.
1976-present Itamar Ben-Gvir
Far-right minister overseeing police including Border Police conducting raids. Encouraged aggressive tactics. Distributed weapons to settlers. Previously convicted of incitement to racism and supporting terrorism.
1967-present Herzi Halevi
Top military commander from January 2023. Oversaw major Jenin and Nablus operations. Made operational decisions including use of drones, helicopters in West Bank—unprecedented escalation in tactics.
1971-2022 Shireen Abu Akleh
Veteran Al Jazeera correspondent covering Israeli-Palestinian conflict for two decades. Killed May 11, 2022 by Israeli forces while wearing clearly marked press vest. Became symbol of targeting of journalists. UN found her killing violated her right to life.
1941-present Navi Pillay
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Led UN Commission investigation into violations. October 2023 report documented systematic Israeli violations including unlawful killings, misapplication of legal framework.
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
500+ Palestinians killed—deadliest period since Second Intifada (2000-2005)
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Complete impunity: Zero meaningful Israeli investigations despite UN findings of systematic violations
Accountability Status
✗ No Israeli officials or soldiers prosecuted for any of 500+ killings
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
2022: 220 killed (48 children); 2023: 507 killed (127 children)—deadliest year in recorded history
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
UN Commission documented systematic misapplication of legal framework enabling unlawful killings
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for Shireen Abu Akleh killing despite UN findings
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
Shireen Abu Akleh killing (May 2022) sparked international outcry; UN found her killing unlawful
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Pattern established: Combat tactics (drones, helicopters, massive force) normalized in law enforcement context
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for 78+ children killed
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
Emergence of new armed resistance groups: Jenin Brigades, Lions' Den, Balata Brigades
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
International law credibility damaged: UN findings ignored, no enforcement mechanisms engaged
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for hospital raid with perfidy (war crime)
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
Operation Break the Wave: near-nightly raids on Jenin, Nablus became routine
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Gaza war (Oct 2023-present) further escalated West Bank violence to unprecedented levels
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for obstruction of medical care, attacks on ambulances
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
First extensive use of aerial bombardment in West Bank since Second Intifada (July 2023)
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
ICC investigation includes West Bank but no charges filed as of 2025
Accountability Status
✗ Israeli military investigations: standard pattern of closing cases without charges
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
Over 9,000 Palestinians injured in 2022 alone; thousands more in 2023
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Palestinian Authority increasingly delegitimized; security coordination suspended multiple times
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for settler violence despite 800+ attacks documented
Immediate Impact (2022-2023)
800+ settler attacks documented Oct 2023-May 2024, often with military acquiescence
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Rise of armed resistance normalized among Palestinian youth; cycle of violence entrenched
Accountability Status
✓ UN Commission comprehensively documented violations (October 2023 report)
Long-term Consequences (2023-Present)
Hospital raid with perfidy (Jan 2024) set dangerous precedent for violations of medical neutrality
Accountability Status
✓ UN found systematic misapplication of legal framework and unlawful killings
Accountability Status
✓ ICC has jurisdiction; investigation ongoing but slow
Accountability Status
✓ International human rights organizations (HRW, Amnesty, B'Tselem, MSF) documented violations
Accountability Status
✓ Shireen Abu Akleh case keeps issue of journalist targeting in international spotlight