UN Raises Alarm Over Rising Settler Violence
During a press briefing addressing developments in Palestinian territories, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said tighter movement restrictions across the West Bank have worsened conditions for Palestinians since the recent escalation in the region. According to reports, increased closures of Israeli checkpoints and road gates have significantly limited Palestinians’ ability to reach workplaces, essential services, and medical assistance.
"In the West Bank, increased closure of Israeli checkpoints and road gates since the regional escalation began continues to restrict Palestinian’s access to services and workplaces. Emergency services and humanitarian work are also impacted," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference on the situation in Palestinian territories.
Dujarric added that operations conducted by Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces are continuing to result in harm and displacement.
Stressing that "operations and violence by Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces is continuing," Dujarric said the moves by Israelis are "resulting in casualties, damage and forced displacement" of Palestinians.
According to reports, a series of actions described as "attacks, threats, trespassing, and intimidation" by settlers from a recently established outpost forced residents from a Palestinian community.
After a campaign of "attacks, threats, trespassing, and intimidation" by illegal Israeli settlers from a newly established illegal outpost, he said at least "eight Palestinian families, some 45 people, were forced to leave their community, Shakara, in the Nablus governorate" on Thursday.
Following the displacement, the UN and humanitarian partners moved to assist the affected families with psychological support, legal counseling, temporary shelter, and financial assistance.
Noting that the UN and its partners have since moved in to provide mental health and psychosocial support, legal advice, shelter and cash assistance to the displaced families, Dujarric stressed that "Palestinians in the West Bank must be protected, and perpetrators must be held to account. "
According to reports, violence in the West Bank has sharply increased since the war in Gaza began on Oct. 8, 2023. Israeli forces and settlers have reportedly carried out a range of actions including killings, arrests, destruction of property, demolition of homes, displacement of residents, and expansion of settlements.
Reports indicate that these incidents have led to the deaths of at least 1,121 Palestinians and injuries to around 11,700 others, while nearly 22,000 Palestinians have been detained.
Palestinian officials warn that continued violations could open the door for Israel to formally annex the West Bank, a move that would undermine efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state as outlined in UN resolutions.
The international community and the United Nations regard the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory, and consider Israeli settlements there to be illegal under international law.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Dujarric said a fuel tanker operated by the United Nations Office for Project Services was struck while traveling to collect fuel intended for humanitarian distribution. No casualties were reported.
The head of the agency, Jorge Moreira da Silva, called for an investigation into the incident and emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access.
"fuel must be allowed into Gaza consistently, its delivery facilitated safely and without interruption to keep humanitarian operations going."
Despite the growing challenges, humanitarian groups continue to deliver emergency medical services, maternal health care, and trauma treatment within Gaza, although they are closely managing limited fuel resources.
"Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected," he said.
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