CAIRO: Israeli settler attacks could trigger an “explosion” in the occupied West Bank, a senior Palestinian official has warned, while urging Palestinians to pursue peaceful resistance.
Jibril Rajoub, secretary general of the central committee of Fatah, the Palestinian Authority’s ruling faction, made the remarks in an interview with AFP during meetings in Cairo with representatives of Palestinian groups, including Hamas.
“The terrorism carried out by the army and settlers, under the supervision of the Israeli government… is a prelude to a coming reaction and explosion,” Rajoub said.
However, he stressed that nonviolent resistance should remain the Palestinians’ strategic choice.
“A peaceful, nonviolent struggle is a necessity and a strategic choice for all Palestinians,” he said, adding that “bloodshed is no longer an acceptable option.”
Rajoub called for peaceful confrontation with the Israeli occupation despite what he described as ongoing crimes.
Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including physical assaults and theft, have reportedly intensified ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose governing coalition includes far-right, pro-settlement parties, is seeking another mandate.
Violence has also increased as extremist settlers seek to disrupt the annual Palestinian olive harvest, a season of significant cultural and economic importance to Palestinian communities.
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements across the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The settlements are surrounded by a Palestinian population of approximately three million.
The Cairo meetings followed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to postpone elections, originally scheduled to begin next month, until September 2027. Abbas has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005.
Rajoub said the discussions focused on establishing unified Palestinian political representation, with a “single authority” and “only one legitimate armed force”.