The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has expressed strong condemnation of recent violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This week, disturbing images surfaced showing masked Israeli settlers engaging in arson attacks, injuring multiple individuals. These attacks included a raid on a dairy factory and the burning of delivery trucks and homes, reflecting a broader trend of escalating violence.
The surge in hostility coincides with increased actions by Israeli authorities, including home demolitions, property seizures, arrests, and movement restrictions. Additionally, the ongoing construction of settlements and outposts has led to the forcible displacement of thousands of Palestinians. Such actions are viewed as violations of international law, particularly the principle against unlawful transfer, which constitutes a war crime.
Escalating Violence and Fatalities
The situation has deteriorated significantly, with reported incidents of settler violence reaching their highest levels since 2006. In October alone, there were over 260 attacks by settlers. From October 7, 2023, to November 13, 2023, Israeli security forces and settlers have killed at least 1,017 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Among the deceased, 221 children lost their lives. This figure does not encompass those who have died while in Israeli detention. During the same period, 59 Israelis were killed in Palestinian attacks or related clashes.
The tragic death of Aysam Jihad Labib Naser, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy, highlights the human cost of this violence. He succumbed to injuries sustained after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli security forces during an attack on his family while they harvested olives in Beita, near Nablus. Additionally, two 16-year-old Palestinian boys, Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad Taym and Mohammad Rashad Fadel Qasim, were killed by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem under allegations they had thrown Molotov cocktails.
International Law and Calls for Accountability
In light of these events, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of attacks against Palestinians and their properties. He emphasized the necessity for accountability for those responsible for these violent actions.
The Israeli government’s claims of sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and its annexation of parts of this territory have been deemed breaches of international law, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. Such actions infringe upon the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and contribute to ongoing tensions in the region.
The international community continues to call for Israel to halt all new settlement activities and evacuate settlers from occupied territories. The rights of Palestinians must be upheld, and their path to self-determination must be recognized. As violence escalates, it remains crucial for the global community to respond and advocate for peace and justice in the region.
