UN: Israeli settler violence, settlement expansion hit record high, urges end to occupation

The UN human rights office has sounded the alarm over escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, labeling it an "all-time record." The office urged international action to end the Israeli occupation, citing a "rapidly deteriorating situation."

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We are deeply concerned by the Israeli government's announcement of plans to further increase the number of settlements and settlements, as well as open calls by Israeli leaders for revenge and collective punishment against Palestinian communities, accompanied by threats to turn the West Bank into another Gaza Strip.

According to UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, Israeli government plans to further increase settlements, coupled with open calls for revenge and collective punishment against Palestinians, are deeply concerning. She highlighted that settler violence, often in conjunction with Israeli security forces, has led to attacks on communities, destruction of property, and burning of mosques. Movement restrictions have also tightened, severely impacting Palestinians' access to essential services.

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(Israel) has an obligation to end its illegal presence in those territories as soon as possible.

Violence has intensified since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The West Bank has seen near-daily settler attacks and periodic Israeli military raids. In the past week alone, eight Palestinians, including a boy, and two Israeli soldiers were killed. Deadly clashes occurred in the village of Telo, resulting in four Palestinian and two Israeli deaths. Israeli forces later conducted raids in and around Nablus, arresting dozens and launching a "counter-terrorism" operation.

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Settlers and Israeli security forces, often acting in concert, have attacked local communities, assaulted families, destroyed and confiscated property, and burned mosques.

The UN's statement follows a warning from UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Deputy Ramin Alakbarov to the UN Security Council about the worsening conditions. Since the Gaza war began, at least 1,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, according to Palestinian figures. The UN is calling on third states to take immediate and unified action to stop the ongoing violence and property confiscation, and to end the occupation.

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Movement restrictions have now been further tightened, preventing Palestinians from accessing essential services.