The West Bank has experienced an “unmatched surge” in the number of new Israeli settlements since the start of the offensive in Gaza, AFP reports quoting an Israel-based NGO.

The Israeli group Peace Now said in a report that nine outposts had appeared in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Peace Now said in the report that there has been an increase in the activities of some settlers who are “marginalising” the Palestinians in the territory, noting a “record” number of new settlements since the outbreak of fighting.

“The three months of offensive in Gaza are being exploited by settlers to establish facts on the ground and effectively take control of extensive areas in Area C,” Peace Now said, referring to the part of the West Bank under Israeli civilian and military control and where the settlements are concentrated.