Ceasefire Masks Escalation: Israel Tightens Control as Settler Attacks Surge

Under the guise of a ceasefire, Israel has intensified its grip on Palestinian territories, with settler violence spreading deeper into areas under Palestinian administration. Meanwhile, Gaza's police forces have been further decimated, eroding local law enforcement capacity. The ceasefire, rather than bringing relief, has enabled a quieter but more systematic expansion of control, raising concerns among human rights observers. Reports indicate a marked increase in incursions by settlers into regions like Area A, which is supposed to be fully controlled by the Palestinian Authority. These actions, often supported or unopposed by Israeli forces, have led to property damage, injuries, and a climate of fear. In Gaza, the targeted destruction of police infrastructure and personnel continues, undermining any semblance of order and complicating post-conflict recovery.