The UN human rights office has warned that violence by Israeli occupation forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank is worsening, alongside what it described as a widening push by Israel towards annexation.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told Anadolu in Geneva that ‘Israel’, as the occupying power, has a responsibility to protect Palestinians and investigate attacks against them.
“The violence by Israeli settlers and forces and widening annexation of the occupied Palestinian West Bank are only getting worse,” Al-Kheetan said. “These attacks must stop.”
⚠️ UN human rights office warns violence by Israeli occupiers, forces is worsening alongside widening Israeli push toward annexation of occupied West Bank
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📢 Spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan urges international community to act to ensure Israel meets its obligations and respects… pic.twitter.com/ZuvVFwchBB
His comments come amid mounting concern over occupier violence and Israeli settlement expansion across the territory. The UN has repeatedly warned that settlement activity and other policies risk further entrenching Israeli control over Palestinian land.
Al-Kheetan said Israeli authorities have an obligation to ensure accountability for attacks, including through investigations and measures to provide justice and reparations.
“Our office continues documenting and reporting on the human rights violations, raising early warnings, and calling for UN member states to act,” Al-Kheetan said.
He urged governments to take stronger action to ensure ‘Israel’ complies with its international obligations.
“The international community must take action, using all means possible,” he said, to ensure respect for “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”
Source: Agencies