Recent events, particularly the October 7 terrorist attacks, have exacerbated the challenges faced by young Palestinians in the West Bank. Amid military operations, settler violence, and increased checkpoints, youths like Asia and Zeina find temporary escape through climbing. However, the harsh realities of occupation persist, with rising violence and a lack of opportunities leading to feelings of hopelessness. Many young people are now gravitating towards a one-state solution, reflecting disillusionment with the Palestinian Authority and growing radical sentiments.
The Impact of Recent Events on Young Palestinians in the West Bank
Following the tragic terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, the conditions in the West Bank have significantly deteriorated. Young Palestinians are left pondering their futures amid the realities of military operations, settler violence, and countless checkpoints.
In the serene, rocky hills just north of Ramallah, the call of the muezzin echoes, though the area remains largely quiet. This tranquil setting is where 25-year-old Asia finds solace. Alongside fellow young Palestinians, she engages in climbing, a sport that allows her to momentarily escape the harsh realities of daily life in the West Bank. “It helps me to switch off, to forget our reality,” Asia shares.
For her friend Zeina, climbing represents more than just a pastime. “Living under occupation, we are constantly in danger. This sport gives me a taste of freedom,” she explains. Climbing in Silwad, north of Ramallah, offers these youth a distraction from the pervasive feelings of hopelessness and lack of opportunity.
Daily Struggles Under Occupation
Life in the West Bank is fraught with challenges: hours spent waiting at checkpoints, the constant threat of military operations, and the risk of settler attacks. Since the October attacks, the frequency of roadblocks, military actions, and arrests has surged. Reports indicate an alarming average of four settler attacks each day, with over 15,000 arrests occurring since October 7. Currently, there are between 800 and 900 Israeli army checkpoints, which the military justifies as necessary for combating terrorism.
For climbers like Asia, these restrictions drastically shape their everyday experiences. “When I climb, I can forget about the dangers,” she remarks. However, their peaceful day is abruptly interrupted when military personnel arrive and declare the area off-limits. The presence of a new illegal settlement raises concerns of potential confrontations with local villagers.
Despite the military’s claims of a closed zone, the settlers remain on the mountain when the ARD team revisits days later, highlighting the dwindling options for climbing routes available to Asia and her friends.
Asia, a budding documentary filmmaker, reflects on the distant dream of a peaceful existence for all in one state, where everyone enjoys equal rights. Yet, she acknowledges the grim reality that makes this dream seem unattainable.
Researcher Ghassan Khatib from Birzeit University notes that increasing numbers of young Palestinians are leaning towards a one-state solution—a democratic homeland for Muslims, Jews, and Christians—rather than the traditional two-state approach. Given the current political landscape, marked by the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements and a hardening Israeli government, many young Palestinians are losing faith in the viability of a two-state solution.
With Israel intensifying its operations in the West Bank, the plight of over 40,000 individuals forced from refugee camps has become more dire. Additionally, many young people feel alienated from the Palestinian Authority (PA), which they see as ineffective and disconnected from their needs, with no elections held for two decades.
The economic situation has worsened since the October attacks, further limiting job opportunities for Palestinians in Israel. The ongoing occupation imposes additional hardships; classes at universities are frequently disrupted due to checkpoints and roadblocks, emphasizing the constant obstacles faced by students.
The conflict in Gaza and escalating tensions in the West Bank have also led to a rise in radical sentiments among the youth. “These experiences drive young people to feel compelled to resist the occupation,” Khatib observes, noting that such feelings often intensify during wartime.
Ihab Abu Atiwe, a leader of a militant group in the Tulkarem refugee camp, openly expresses animosity towards Israel. Tragically, he is killed in an Israeli airstrike shortly after being interviewed, highlighting the volatile environment in which these young people live.
In the northern West Bank, the Tulkarem refugee camp has been home to Palestinians since the 1950s, many of whom were displaced during the establishment of Israel. The combination of high unemployment, limited opportunities, and ongoing military operations fosters an atmosphere ripe for radicalization.
“I fight for freedom, to liberate our camp and for a future without Jews on our land,” declares 23-year-old Ihab Abu Atiwe, who has become a role model for the youth in the camp, many of whom view him as a martyr.
Since the end of January, the Israeli military has launched its largest operations in over two decades in the northern West Bank, leaving more than 40,000 individuals in desperate situations.
For those seeking to understand the complexities and challenges facing young Palestinians today, the story continues to unfold. Tune in to the program “Y-Kollektiv” for further insights into these pressing issues.