'Multi-layered human rights violations' of Palestinians occurring in West Bank: UN rights office

GENEVA

The UN human rights office on Friday warned that the situation in the occupied West Bank is “alarming,” as “multi-layered human rights violations of Palestinians” are occurring there.

In a UN press briefing in Geneva, spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell said that Israeli forces have “increasingly used military tactics and weapons in law enforcement operations, including an operation overnight involving airstrikes on Jenin refugee camp.”

International human rights law prohibits the "intentional use of lethal force," she said.


"Settler violence, which was already at record levels, has also escalated dramatically, averaging seven attacks a day," Throssell said, adding that in more than a third of these attacks, firearms were used.

The human rights office documented that settlers were seen with members of the Israeli forces or were attired in uniforms and armed with rifles in numerous cases.


"Along with the near total impunity for settler violence, we are concerned that armed settlers have been acting with the acquiescence and collaboration of Israeli forces and authorities," the spokesperson said.

Noting that nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been forced from their homes since Oct. 7, Trossell said: "In these circumstances, settler violence may amount to the forcible transfer of a population - a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention."

“Israel, as the Occupying Power, has the obligation to ensure the safety and protection of the occupied population under international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” she underscored.

"In repeated incidents, armed settlers have given Palestinian communities ultimatums to leave their homes or be killed," Trossell added.


She said Israeli forces have reportedly arrested only two settlers despite hundreds of settlers being involved in this daily violence since Oct. 7.

During this same period, the spokesperson said, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces.

“We have received credible and consistent reports indicating a further increase in the ill-treatment of detainees, which in many cases could amount to torture,” she said.

“Two Palestinians arrested since 7 October have died in custody. Those detained are reportedly not granted due process and judicial guarantees, as required by international law,” Trossell added.

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 10,800 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,227 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.