UN: Israeli settler violence in West Bank continues to rise

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The UN Human Rights Office has stated that violence by Israeli settlers and the annexation of Palestinian territory in the occupied West Bank continue to increase, two years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s occupation to be in violation of international law.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, said the situation in the West Bank is deteriorating.

The UN has also expressed concern over threats to “turn the West Bank into a second Gaza.”

“Violence by settlers and the expansion of annexation of Palestinian territory in the West Bank is only getting worse,” Shamdasani said in a statement on Wednesday.

She said that since last Thursday, eight Palestinians, including a young boy, and two Israeli military personnel have been killed in the West Bank.

According to Shamdasani, Israeli settlers and security forces, who often act together, have been attacking Palestinian communities.

They have also reportedly attacked families, destroyed and seized property, and set fire to mosques.

Shamdasani said restrictions on the movement of Palestinians are being tightened further.

This situation is hampering people’s access to basic services.

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

In addition, the office highlighted open calls by a number of Israeli leaders for retaliation and collective punishment against Palestinian communities.

According to her, settler attacks as well as settlement and outpost construction have reached their highest levels in history.

Shamdasani described the current situation as unprecedented.

The UN Human Rights Office urged other states to act together immediately to stop the killings and the deprivation of Palestinians’ rights, and to end the Israeli occupation.