Ramallah:Israeli occupation forces and colonists have been accused of committing 760 systematic environmental violations across the occupied West Bank from the beginning of 2026 through the end of September. These violations have reportedly targeted agricultural land, vegetation, water resources, and infrastructure, as stated by the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the violations involved bulldozing agricultural land and nature reserves, expanding settlements, destroying trees and vegetation, damaging water resources and irrigation and sewage networks, and dumping hazardous waste. The authority highlighted these issues in a statement marking the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
The authority documented 203 attacks targeting agricultural land and nature reserves, including the bulldozing of olive groves and the construction of colonial roads. It also reported 178 attacks against forests and vegetation, resulting in the uprooting of thousands of fruit-bearing and perennial trees. Additionally, there were 185 violations related to hazardous waste and demolition debris, particularly affecting the Jenin and Tulkarm governorates.
Furthermore, the authority noted the theft of hundreds of livestock and the release of colonists' livestock to damage agricultural fields. There were also 37 attacks on water sources, including the filling of wells with concrete. The authority reported five attacks on sewage networks, impacting infrastructure in refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm governorates.
In the Gaza Strip, the territory is facing a widespread environmental and humanitarian catastrophe due to destruction from Israel's military offensive. The report estimated that between 61 million and 68 million tons of rubble and destroyed buildings have accumulated across Gaza. Additionally, 84% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed, contributing to rising disease rates.
The Environmental Quality Authority claims these documented violations constitute environmental war crimes, violating international statutes. The authority urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities toward the Palestinian people and work toward ending the Israeli occupation.