Palestinian factions issued a call to arms on Monday, demanding an escalation of violent resistance operations across Judea and Samaria. These calls were framed as a response to what they allege is Israel’s “genocidal war” against Gaza. However, an examination of demographic data sharply contradicts these accusations. According to the CIA’s World Factbook, Gaza’s population has increased by an estimated 2.02% since October 7, 2023. Genocide, as defined under international law, involves the systematic targeting of a civilian population to such an extent that it results in a dramatic population decline—typically by at least 25%. This data underscores that the claims of genocide are unfounded and appear to serve as inflammatory rhetoric rather than fact-based assertions.
In the early hours of Monday, three Israelis were tragically killed, and six others injured, in a terrorist shooting near the Kedumim settlement in northern Samaria. Israeli security forces suspect members of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad terror organization, operating out of Jenin, as being responsible for the attack. This incident reflects the ongoing threat posed by terrorist factions emboldened by Hamas and other extremist groups.
According to the CIA World fact book, the population in Gaza has increased by 2.02% since Oct 7, 2023. Facts vs opinion #AmnestyLies There is no genocide in Gaza. No intent or actions by Israel to conduct a genocide. Actually the opposite, Israel has done more to protect… pic.twitter.com/mp4vkXvy2Q
— John Spencer (@SpencerGuard) December 5, 2024
Hamas’ Incendiary Rhetoric
Hamas, unsurprisingly, celebrated the deadly attack, describing it as “a heroic response to the ongoing crimes and war of extermination committed by the (Israeli) occupation against our people in Gaza, the displacement plans in the West Bank, and the settler aggression on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and holy sites.”
However, this statement is rife with inaccuracies and distortions. Israel has consistently permitted the Muslim Waqf to administer the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which resides atop the Temple Mount, Judaism’s holiest site. Far from attacking the mosque, Israel has repeatedly worked to preserve the status quo. At the same time, Palestinian authorities and militants have systematically targeted archaeological sites and Jewish holy places within their territories. A prime example is the desecration of Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem (referred to by Palestinians as Nablus), a site of deep historical and religious significance to the Jewish people.
Calls for Escalation
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), another extremist group, lauded the Kedumim attack as a “powerful message” to Israel, urging further violence to “confuse the occupation’s calculations and weaken its security system.” Similarly, the Popular Resistance Committees labeled the attack a “natural response” to alleged Israeli war crimes and annexation plans. These statements reveal a calculated strategy to incite violence and unrest, employing baseless accusations of genocide and “Judaization” to inflame tensions.
The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obeida, has praised the recent operation in the West Bank that resulted in the killing of three Israelis.
— Jose N. (@JoseN1426871) January 6, 2025
Abu Ubaida, Spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement "Once again, the brave heroes of the West Bank have… pic.twitter.com/jto3YDkmAe
Context of Escalating Violence
The surge in violence follows Hamas’ brutal October 7 assault, the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were massacred, thousands were injured, and more than 250 hostages were taken. As of today, 101 hostages remain in Hamas’ custody, hidden in Gaza’s labyrinthine tunnel network. This unprecedented atrocity has galvanized Israel’s military campaign against Hamas—a campaign aimed at dismantling the terror infrastructure that perpetuates cycles of violence.
In Judea and Samaria, the violence has also taken a toll. At least 835 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 6,700 injured. According to combined data from the Palestinian Health Ministry and Israeli security agencies, the vast majority of those killed were militants engaged in hostilities. These figures highlight the complexities of a conflict where terrorist groups embed themselves within civilian populations, exploiting them as human shields.
A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
The international response to the conflict continues to evolve. Many Israelis are watching the political horizon as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office on January 20. Trump has vowed a robust response to those holding hostages and has signaled a willingness to back Israel’s legal claims over parts of Judea and Samaria. These territories, captured by Israel in the defensive Six-Day War of 1967, were formally relinquished by Jordan in 1988. Despite the Palestinian Authority’s claims of occupation, historical and legal precedents bolster Israel’s position, particularly given that the term “Palestine” as a political entity did not exist prior to this period. These realities challenge the narrative that Israel is an occupier, revealing it instead as a nation defending its historical and legal rights against decades of aggression.
🚨 BREAKING: ISRAEL SEEKS TO TAKE OVER PALESTINE'S WEST BANK?
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 12, 2024
It appears Netanyahu wants to annex Palestine…
Israel’s Finance Minister has signaled plans to extend control over the West Bank areas following Trump's January inauguration.
He stated he'll seek U.S. backing for… pic.twitter.com/XgLfQr6xl5
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Judea and Samaria is not merely a local struggle but a flashpoint in the broader battle for truth and historical integrity. Claims of genocide and occupation, devoid of factual basis, serve only to deepen divisions and fuel violence. As the region braces for further developments, the world must critically examine the narratives being propagated and hold those who incite violence accountable for their actions. Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens, preserving its heritage, and pursuing peace remains unwavering, even in the face of relentless hostility.
