GENEVA: On Tuesday, the United Nations expressed significant worry about the increasing violence in the West Bank. They called for an immediate halt to Israeli security forces’ involvement in backing settler assaults on Palestinians in the occupied region.
During the ongoing Gaza conflict, the United Nations’ human rights department expressed concern over the increasing number of assaults on Palestinians in the West Bank. They stated that these Palestinians have been victims of multiple attacks by approximately 200 Israeli settlers, who are frequently accompanied or supported by Israeli security forces (ISF).
“The Israeli security forces need to immediately cease their involvement in and encouragement of settler assaults on Palestinians,” said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the rights office, addressing reporters in Geneva. “Instead, they should work towards halting future attacks and ensuring those responsible face consequences.”
She emphasized that “individuals believed to be involved in criminal offenses, such as murder or other unlawful killings, should face justice through a legal procedure adhering to global human rights guidelines. This requires a swift, impartial, autonomous, efficient, and transparent investigation.”
Shamdasani highlighted that after the tragic death of a 14-year-old Israeli boy from a settler family over the weekend, retaliatory actions led to the loss of four Palestinian lives, including a child, and the destruction of Palestinian properties. Furthermore, it was reported to the UN rights office that “armed settlers and Israeli forces” had entered several towns and villages.
“Numerous Palestinians allegedly sustained injuries, some due to gunfire, at the hands of settlers and security forces. Furthermore, a substantial number of residences, structures, and vehicles were set ablaze,” the speaker mentioned.
She also stated, “Three Israeli military personnel were reportedly hurt after being struck by stones.”
In addition, the UN brought attention to reports indicating that settlers had established at least two new outposts in recent days, specifically in the Jordan Valley and South Hebron Hills.
The speaker mentioned that these outposts were situated close to Palestinian communities, which have experienced multiple assaults by settlers in recent times. These communities are now at an imminent risk of being compelled to leave their homes and land.
She emphasized that Israel, as the governing authority in the occupied West Bank, must implement all feasible measures to maintain public order and security. This responsibility involves safeguarding Palestinians from settler violence and prohibiting the unlawful use of force against Palestinians by the Israeli Security Forces.
Since 1967, the West Bank has been under Israel’s occupation, and there has been a significant increase in violence, especially after the Israel-Hamas conflict began in Gaza on October 7. As per official Palestinian reports, at least 468 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since that date.
