DaysofPal – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed serious concern over a surge in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, particularly in and around Ramallah. Spokesperson Thameen Al-Khitban described the violence as part of a “systematic pattern” rather than isolated incidents.
In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Al-Khitban reported that on June 25, dozens of armed settlers launched coordinated assaults on several villages in the Ramallah and Nablus areas. The attacks included arson targeting Palestinian homes and vehicles, as well as the use of live ammunition. According to the UN official, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupation forces during the events, and at least six others were injured.
While Israeli forces claimed the Palestinians had thrown stones and fired weapons at settlers and soldiers, Al-Khitban stressed that it is the legal obligation of the occupying power to protect the civilian population. He added that OHCHR reports have documented the killing of 14 Palestinians by settlers in the West Bank since October 7, 2023 — including two children.
This escalation in the West Bank occurs alongside Israel’s ongoing, U.S.-backed military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023. The war has resulted in more than 189,000 Palestinian casualties, including dead and injured, over 11,000 missing persons, mass displacement, and a worsening famine. These developments continue amid widespread international inaction and the failure to enforce International Court of Justice rulings to halt what has been increasingly described as a genocidal campaign.
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