DaysofPal- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has strongly condemned Israeli crimes in the West Bank, describing them as “shameful and illegal.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Albanese accused Arab countries of complicity in allowing these violations to continue unchecked.
Systematic Control and Expansion
Albanese stated that Israeli occupation is pursuing a strategy to exert control over what remains of Palestine, likening its current operations in the West Bank to those previously carried out in the Gaza Strip.
She emphasized that the events of October 7, 2023, cannot justify Israeli ongoing aggression, including renewed military activities in Gaza.
Despite no direct attacks against the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, its residents face violence comparable to that endured by Gazans, highlighting the failure of both the international community and Arab nations to take decisive action.
The rapporteur criticized the Israeli occupation for imposing unjustified restrictions on Palestinians, such as preventing access to water resources and limiting religious freedoms. Notably, she pointed out that Israeli occupation prohibits Palestinians under the age of 55 from praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan—a violation of their fundamental rights. Albanese reiterated that numerous UN experts affirm Israeli occupation has no legal claim to the West Bank, Gaza, or East Jerusalem, urging it to either withdraw its forces and dismantle settlements or adhere to its obligations as an occupying power.
Criticism of the Palestinian Authority and Global Actors
In her critique, Albanese also targeted the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of being disconnected from its people.
She argued that blame should not fall on Palestinians but rather on the divided international community, which she holds responsible for the deteriorating situation in Palestine. Praise was extended to countries like South Africa, Spain, and Namibia, which have taken concrete measures against Israeli policies, contrasting sharply with the limited efforts of Arab states, whose interventions have largely focused on reconstructing Gaza without addressing broader injustices.
Albanese dismissed claims of Arab incapacity to act, arguing that current circumstances present an ideal opportunity for Arab nations to unify their voices in support of Palestinians instead of prioritizing reconstruction alone.
She warned that normalization agreements with Israeli occupation must not come at the expense of Palestinian rights, accusing certain Arab countries of conspiring with Israeli occupation against the Palestinian cause.
Ongoing Military Aggression in the West Bank
On the ground, Israeli forces continue their relentless assault on Palestinian communities. The Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarem has suffered extensive destruction following weeks of military operations, displacing thousands of residents who were briefly permitted to retrieve belongings before returning to find their homes devastated.
Meanwhile, Jenin refugee camp faces its largest military operation since 2002, part of a broader campaign targeting northern camps launched earlier this year.
For 41 consecutive days, Tulkarem camps have endured sustained attacks, while Nur Shams has been under siege for 28 days.
These operations have resulted in the martyrdom of 13 civilians, injuries and arrests of dozens more, and the forced displacement of over 9,000 individuals from Nur Shams and 12,000 from Tulkarem camp. Widespread destruction has left entire neighborhoods uninhabitable, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Call for Accountability
Albanese called on the international community to hold Israeli occupation accountable for its actions, stressing the urgent need for unified global pressure to protect Palestinian rights.
Her remarks underscore the growing urgency of addressing systemic injustices in the region, as well as the critical role Arab nations and other global actors must play in advocating for justice and peace.
As tensions persist and conditions worsen, the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank continues to demand immediate attention and action from the international community. Without decisive intervention, the cycle of violence and suffering threatens to deepen further.
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