UN Warns of 'Dangerous' West Bank Violence Escalation Despite Gaza Ceasefire

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about a "dangerous" escalation of violence in the West Bank, even as a ceasefire holds in Gaza. UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Deputy, Ramiz Alakbarov, described the situation as rapidly deteriorating and exacerbating already alarming conditions across Palestine, increasing the likelihood of a wider escalation.

Speaking via videoconference at a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine, Alakbarov urged "immediate" measures to reverse this trend. He highlighted that in the past week alone, increased violence has led to civilian casualties, displacement, property damage, and growing insecurity in affected communities. Attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and places of worship have notably intensified.

The UN coordinator implored Israel to prevent settler violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Simultaneously, he called on Palestinians to unequivocally reject violence and incitement. Alakbarov also criticized the restrictions on movement and the accelerated expansion of settlements in the West Bank, a policy recently re-energized by the Israeli government. He reiterated that "all settlements are illegal under international law."

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The situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating. This is exacerbating the already alarming conditions in the rest of Palestine, and it is becoming increasingly likely that a wider escalation will occur.

Furthermore, Alakbarov demanded the full implementation of the peace plan for Gaza to achieve a cessation of violence. This plan includes the disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and the transfer of governance responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

In parallel developments, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas announced it had sent a delegation to Egypt to meet with mediators and advance the second phase of a truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also in Washington to meet with Donald Trump for the first time since the Iran conflict began.

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All settlements are illegal under international law.