Geneva: The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has strongly condemned the recent actions of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, describing the violence as "abhorrent" and indicative of an increasing pattern of aggression against Palestinians.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Thameen Al-Kheetan, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed journalists in Geneva, highlighting the severity of the situation. He reported that several individuals were injured in the attacks, which included a raid on a dairy factory and the burning of delivery trucks and homes. This rise in violence, he explained, coincides with increased home demolitions, property seizures, arrests, and movement restrictions by Israeli occupation authorities. Additionally, the ongoing construction of settlements and the forced displacement of Palestinians by settlers and military forces exacerbate the situation.
Al-Kheetan emphasized that the permanent displacement of Palestinians within the occupied territories is tantamount to unlawful transfer, which constitutes a war crime. He noted that the Israeli occupation's transfer of its civilian population into the occupied territories also amounts to a war crime. Furthermore, he criticized Israel's assertion of sovereignty over the West Bank and its annexation of parts of it, labeling these actions as violations of international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination, as supported by the International Court of Justice.
He reiterated the call from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, for an immediate cessation of attacks against Palestinians and their property. The need to hold perpetrators accountable, end the illegal Israeli presence in the occupied territories, stop all new settlement activities, and ensure the evacuation of settlers in a manner that respects Palestinian self-determination was underscored.
Al-Kheetan reported that October recorded the highest number of settler attacks since 2006, with over 260 incidents documented. He added that Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 1,017 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 221 children, between 7 October 2023 and 13 November 2025. This figure excludes Palestinians who died in Israeli detention, where conditions are described as "extremely harsh."
The spokesperson highlighted previously documented cases of torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence in Israeli detention facilities. He called for investigations, accountability, and the immediate cessation of such practices, along with the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
Regarding a draft law permitting the death penalty for Palestinian detainees, including children, Al-Kheetan reaffirmed the Office's consistent opposition to the death penalty. He noted that the lack of due process and fair-trial guarantees under occupation further exacerbates the severity of such legislation.