Israel (Transatlantic Today) – United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk called Tuesday for an end to violence in the occupied West Bank, condemning the Israeli security forces and settlers for the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians since October 7.
Violation of Human Rights
“The killing, destruction, and significant human rights violations are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” Türk said in a news release. He stressed that Israel must adopt and uphold rules of engagement consistent with international norms and standards of human rights. Over 80 examples have been recorded by the U.N. human rights office, showing that Israeli security personnel often violate international human rights law by using excessive and needless force, according to Voanews.
Israeli Response
Israeli security forces did not immediately comment on these allegations. However, Reuters reported that Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva defended its actions in the West Bank, citing a significant escalation in attacks. The mission asserted, “Israel will continue to operate against Palestinian terrorism, from wherever it emanates, in line with international law, to protect and defend our population.”
Casualty Reports
According to the U.N. human rights office, settlers and Israeli troops killed at least 10 Palestinians and 490 Palestinians, respectively. Some countries have imposed penalties on aggressive settlers, and Israel’s Western allies, especially the United States, have encouraged Israel to take greater action to stop settler violence.
Escalation After October 7
The escalating violence in the West Bank followed an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which led to the death of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza, leading to at least 36,400 deaths, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
Military Operations
Since October 7, Israeli security forces have conducted at least 29 militarized operations, including airstrikes by unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-to-ground missile attacks on refugee camps and other densely populated areas, resulting in the deaths of 164 Palestinians, including 35 children, according to the U.N. human rights office.
Impact on Palestinian Population
“The violence by the ISF and Israeli settlers, against the backdrop of the scale of killing and destruction continuing in Gaza, has instilled fear and insecurity among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank,” Türk stated, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on the region’s civilian population.
