Jerusalem: The Government of Israel has significantly intensified its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, leading to severe human rights implications, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office. The report highlights the unlawful transfer of Israeli populations into these territories and an increase in violence by settlers, amidst a climate of impunity.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk, has stated that Israel’s policies regarding settlements, annexation, and related discriminatory measures are in direct violation of international law. These actions infringe upon the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. The High Commissioner has called for an immediate cessation of all settlement activities and the evacuation of settlers, urging Israel to prevent and penalize attacks by its security forces and settlers.
The report outlines the transfer of governmental powers over the Occupied Palestinian Territory from the Israeli military to the Government, which is aiding the progress of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and facilitating the integration of the region into the State of Israel. Covering the period from November 2023 to October 2024, the report details the expansion of settlements, with plans underway for constructing over 20,000 housing units in East Jerusalem. Additionally, 214 Palestinian properties have been demolished in East Jerusalem, with more than 10,300 units planned in other parts of the West Bank, alongside the establishment of 49 new Israeli outposts.
The report notes the construction of unauthorized roads by settlers and the military, which connect settlements and outposts while hindering Palestinian movement and enabling land seizures. It warns that the increased provision of Israeli Government services in these areas further entrenches patterns of discrimination and oppression against Palestinians.
The report also highlights a surge in violence, with 612 Palestinians killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, by Israeli forces and settlers during the reporting period. In contrast, 24 Israelis were killed in alleged clashes with Palestinians. The current situation has emboldened settlers to commit acts of violence and land appropriation against Palestinians.
The blurring of lines between settler and state violence has led to increased incidents of violence and impunity, with a documented average of 118 settler violence incidents per month. The enlistment of settlers into Israeli security forces operating in the West Bank has further militarized the settler movement.
Moreover, 1,779 Palestinian structures were demolished under the pretext of lacking building permits, which are difficult for Palestinians to obtain, resulting in the displacement of 4,527 individuals. The number of Palestinians forcibly displaced has increased by nearly 200% compared to the previous period.
The High Commissioner reiterated the need for the international community to take meaningful action regarding Israel’s settlement activities. He called for Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s ruling, cease new settlement activities, evacuate settlers, and make reparations for the damage caused by illegal settlements over the decades.