Nablus, Palestinian Territories – The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the increasing violence in the West Bank, calling for Israeli security forces to immediately cease their support of settler attacks on Palestinians in the occupied region. This statement comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of two Palestinian men at the hands of Israeli settlers in a village south of Nablus.
Tensions in the West Bank have been on the rise following a series of violent incidents, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy from a settler family over the weekend. The violence escalated on Monday, with reports of eight Palestinians being killed by Israeli forces or armed settlers since Friday. Palestinian authorities have noted a surge in settler attacks across the West Bank, with some incidents involving Israeli security forces standing by.
In response to the escalating violence, the UN’s human rights office issued a statement condemning the attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians. The office emphasized the need for Israeli authorities to take action to prevent further violence and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable.
Local witnesses, including the mayor of Aqraba near Nablus, reported a harrowing scene of armed settlers attacking Palestinian residents while Israeli soldiers allegedly stood by without intervening. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also noted difficulties in accessing the area to provide medical assistance to the wounded due to military blockades.
The current wave of settler attacks follows the discovery of the body of a 14-year-old Israeli shepherd in the central West Bank, further fueling tensions in the region. The situation has prompted international responses, with the US and UK imposing sanctions against violent settlers involved in displacing Palestinian communities from their land.
As violence continues to grip the West Bank, the call for justice and accountability remains paramount. International human rights standards must be upheld, and efforts to protect Palestinians from settler attacks and excessive use of force by Israeli security forces must be prioritized. The conflict in the region underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of all individuals in the Palestinian Territories.