Geneva: A group of UN experts on Monday warned about the Israeli occupation's escalating military aggression against the occupied West Bank. They stated that the increased assaults are part of a broader strategy of Palestinian displacement and territorial expansion by Israel. The experts emphasized that these actions are not isolated incidents. They expressed their dismay over the rise in deadly violence affecting Jenin and other areas in the West Bank, highlighting that Israel's repression appears to be unending.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the experts noted that this surge in violence coincides with unprecedented levels of colony expansion, armed settler violence, displacement, depopulation, and land confiscation by the occupying authority, often facilitated by settler militias. Despite the International Court of Justice's conclusion that this occupation is unlawful and must be dismantled, these violations continue.
The experts further expressed concern over recent developments, including the US decision to lift limited sanctions on Israeli settlers and the Israeli authorities' removal of administrative detention and other sanctions for settler violence, effectively allowing more unchecked aggression against Palestinians. The Israeli defense minister's comments attempting to justify the new military actions as a response to "Palestinian terrorism" were also criticized. The minister referenced Jabotinsky's "iron wall" concept to advocate for a relentless defense strategy.
They pointed out that such aggression is not new for Palestinians in the West Bank. Since October 7, 2023, systematic aerial and ground attacks on Jenin, Nablus, Tulkaram, and Tubas governorates, particularly targeting refugee camps, have characterized Israel's assaults. At the end of August 2024, a large-scale military operation resulted in the deaths of at least 39 Palestinians, including women and children, and injured dozens.
The recent attacks have led to the detention of civilians, especially in Jenin, the deaths of at least 16 people, including a child, and the displacement of over 3,000 families. These violations continue despite the ICJ's ruling that the occupation is illegal and must be dismantled along with the settlements and related regimes.
The experts warned that the ongoing impunity granted to Israel facilitates the systematic erasure of Palestine, leaving Palestinians vulnerable to aggressive forces. They urged the international community to intervene urgently to stop Israel's aggression, highlighting the alarming lack of protection for Palestinians under international law.
The statement was issued by a group of UN experts, including Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Reem Al-Salem, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.