Two years after the International Court of Justice ruled Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful, the UN human rights office warned that Israeli settler violence and annexation in the occupied West Bank have intensified.
Violence reaches all-time high
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that attacks by Israeli settlers and the establishment of settlements and outposts have reached an all-time high. She described the situation as one where violence by settlers and widening annexation of Palestinian territory is only getting worse.
Since last Thursday, eight Palestinians, including a boy, and two members of the Israeli military have been killed in the occupied West Bank. The UN human rights office voiced alarm over the Israeli government's announcement of plans to further expand settlements and outposts.
Attacks and restrictions intensify
Shamdasani said Israeli settlers and security forces, often acting together, have attacked Palestinian communities, assaulted families, destroyed and confiscated property, and burned mosques. She added that movement restrictions are now tighter, preventing Palestinians from accessing essential services.
Act urgently and in unison to halt the continuing killing.
The office also expressed concern over what it described as open calls by Israeli leaders for revenge and collective punishment against Palestinian communities. It highlighted fears among some that these actions threaten to turn the West Bank into another Gaza.
The spokesperson urged third states to act urgently and in unison to halt the continuing killing and dispossession of Palestinians and to bring an end to the Israeli occupation.