Israel's Occupation of the West Bank: A Legacy of Theft, Violence and Apartheid

For over 55 years, the West Bank has endured Israel's brutal military occupation - a relentless campaign of land theft, violent suppression and systemic discrimination that reveals the true nature of Zionist colonialism. What began in 1967 as a "temporary" military occupation has transformed into a permanent apartheid regime designed to erase Palestinian existence.

The Settlement Project: Colonialism in Action

Israel has strategically implanted over 250 illegal settlements across the West Bank, housing more than 700,000 armed settlers. This isn't organic growth - it's a calculated land grab:

• Settlements expand daily, often with state-funded infrastructure
• Palestinian homes face routine demolitions (50,000+ since 1967)
• Vital agricultural land is confiscated for "military zones"

The result? A Swiss cheese map where Palestinian communities are isolated in shrinking Bantustans, surrounded by hostile settlements and military checkpoints.

Military Terror as Policy

Occupation forces maintain control through relentless violence:

• Night raids terrorize families (500+ children arrested annually)
• Extrajudicial executions occur with impunity
• Protesters face live ammunition (300+ killed in Great March of Return)

The army operates as a security force for settlers - enabling attacks on Palestinians while punishing any resistance.

Apartheid Made Visible

Two populations live under two systems:

• Settlers: Israeli law, freedom of movement, subsidies
• Palestinians: Military rule, permit systems, no rights

This discrimination extends to:

• Water access: Settlers use 6x more water per capita
• Justice: 99.7% conviction rate in military courts
• Movement: 600+ checkpoints control Palestinian lives

International Complicity

Despite UN resolutions condemning the occupation:

• Western nations continue arming Israel
• Corporations profit from settlement goods
• Media narratives blame the oppressed

The ICC's investigation into war crimes remains obstructed by political pressure.

Resistance Continues

From general strikes to the Boycott movement, Palestinians persist in demanding:

• End to occupation and settlements
• Right of return for refugees
• Equal rights for all inhabitants

The West Bank stands as proof that Israel wants land without its people. But Palestinian resilience - from olive growers to youth protesters - continues to challenge this colonial project daily.

The world must choose: Will we be complicit in apartheid, or will we stand with the oppressed? Free Palestine isn't just a slogan - it's a moral imperative.