The UN human rights office’s recent report indicates a substantial expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, constituting a breach of international law. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk emphasized the need for immediate action against these violations, citing potential war crimes associated with the transfer of Israeli civilians into occupied territories. The situation raises significant concerns about annexation and ongoing discrimination against Palestinians.
According to a report from the UN human rights office, Israel has expanded and consolidated settlements in the occupied West Bank, further integrating these areas into the State of Israel, which constitutes a violation of international law. The report, based on research conducted from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, indicates a significant increase in the number of Israeli settlements, including in East Jerusalem, with reports of tens of thousands of planned housing units for both new and existing settlements.
The findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council this month, coinciding with rising concerns of potential annexation among Palestinians. This comes amid changes in US policy under President Donald Trump, alongside the establishment of new settler outposts in regions of the West Bank viewed as part of a prospective Palestinian state.
UN High Commissioner Volker Turk stated, “The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime,” urging the international community to take decisive action against these violations. He called upon Israel to cease all settlement activities, evacuate settlers, halt the forced displacement of Palestinians, and ensure accountability for attacks from security forces and settlers.
Currently, approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel during the 1967 conflict. The majority of nations deem Israel’s settlements on this war-seized land as illegal. Israel’s military asserts that its operations in the West Bank are counter-terrorism measures targeting suspected militants.
The report further highlights that the increased provision of Israeli governmental services within these settlements may perpetuate existing patterns of systemic discrimination and oppression against the Palestinian population, exacerbating the ongoing conflict.
The UN report highlights significant Israeli settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank, raising concerns about potential annexation and human rights violations. It underscores the need for immediate international action to address these issues, as well as Israel’s responsibility to halt ongoing settlement activities and protect Palestinian rights. The situation remains critical, with growing tension and allegations of systematic discrimination against Palestinians.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
