UN Fears West Bank Could Become a Second Gaza

The UN Human Rights Office has stated that violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers is continuing to increase. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said conditions in the West Bank are deteriorating further following the annexation of Palestinian territory. The UN fears the situation in the West Bank could turn into a second Gaza.

“Violence by settlers and the expanding annexation of Palestinian territory in the West Bank is only getting worse,” Shamdasani said in a statement on Wednesday (29/7).

Eight Palestinians, including a boy, and two Israeli military personnel have been killed in the West Bank since last Thursday.

According to Shamdasani, Israeli settlers and security forces frequently attack Palestinian communities. They act together to assault families, destroy property, and burn mosques.

Furthermore, Shamdasani said, the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank is increasingly restricted. Communities are hindered from accessing basic services.

The UN Human Rights Office also expressed concern over the Israeli government’s plans to expand settlements and outposts in the occupied territory.

Israeli leaders are also carrying out reprisals and collective punishment against Palestinian communities. Shamdasani described the current situation as unprecedented.

Therefore, the UN Human Rights Office is urging other nations to act collectively to stop the killings and the deprivation of Palestinian rights and to end the Israeli occupation.