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Ottawa condemns settler violence
Canada condemned the rising acts of violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and stressed that Israeli settlement expansion there must cease, according to a statement posted on the X platform by the Canadian Foreign Ministry.
“According to United Nations figures, 18 Palestinians have been killed in settler rampages since the beginning of 2026”
The Qatar news agency reported that Canada said the settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for peace, security, and stability, while citing United Nations figures that 18 Palestinians have been killed in settler rampages since the beginning of 2026 compared to 17 fatalities throughout the entirety of 2025.
The Mirage News account quoted Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty saying, "The UK strongly condemns the escalating violence across the West Bank," and described arson attacks against mosques in Qusra and Kour and lethal incidents in Deir Jarir, Beit Furik and in Tel.
In the same Mirage News text, Doughty also said, "The Government of Israel must protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territory and take meaningful action to prevent and prosecute acts of settler violence."
Canada’s statement sparks rebuttal
Al Jazeera reported that Canada’s statement reaffirming its opposition to Israeli expansion in the occupied West Bank prompted a tit-for-tat on social media with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al Jazeera quoted Canada’s foreign ministry statement as saying, "Canada condemns the ongoing violence in the West Bank. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank must stop," and added that the ministry said the settlements are illegal under international law.
In response, Al Jazeera said the Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Canada of moving to "embolden terror," and it also said, "A wave of Palestinian terrorism is sweeping Judea and Samaria."
Al Jazeera further reported that the Office for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted increasing violence and condemned plans for expanding Israeli settlements, quoting an OHCHR spokesperson saying, "We are alarmed by the Israeli Government’s announcement to further increase the number of settlements and outposts".
UN figures and what’s at risk
Multiple outlets tied Canada’s stance to United Nations figures, with Qatar news agency saying 18 Palestinians have been killed in settler rampages since the beginning of 2026 compared to 17 fatalities throughout the entirety of 2025.
“18 Palestinians have been killed in settler rampages since the beginning of 2026”
Al Jazeera reported that the UN said it had recorded roughly 190 settler attacks in each of the first four months of 2026 and estimated the number could reach about 2,000 by the year’s end, overtaking last year’s total of 1,835.
Al Jazeera also quoted Canada’s call for de-escalation and civilian protection, stating, "We call for the de-escalation and protection of civilians. International humanitarian law must be respected," and said the statement linked settlement expansion to undermining prospects for peace, security and stability.
In the same Al Jazeera account, the OHCHR spokesperson warned that Israeli plans included "open calls by Israeli leaders for revenge and collective punishment against Palestinian communities," framing the risk as further escalation tied to settlement and outpost expansion.
