The acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Akramov, has expressed concern over the continued high levels of Israeli settlements and settler violence in occupied Palestinian territories. Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016, Israeli authorities have pushed forward with or approved the construction of nearly 4,570 housing units in Area C of the West Bank and 3,515 units in East Jerusalem.
Akramov briefed the UN Security Council on Monday, stating that tenders were published for the construction of an additional 2,240 units. The demolition and confiscation of 536 Palestinian-owned structures resulted in the displacement of 736 people, including 347 children. These actions have contributed to an increase in tensions and raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region.
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains volatile, with ongoing violence reported. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 360 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 injured in Gaza during the reporting period, amid Israeli military operations and daily airstrikes. In the West Bank, 32 Palestinians, including 9 children, were killed and 633 others injured at the hands of Israeli forces or settlers.
Two Israeli military personnel were killed and 49 Israelis and four security personnel injured by Palestinian individuals. The UN official highlighted that over 33,000 Palestinians remain displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams camps, describing this as the longest and largest displacement wave in the West Bank since 1967.
Akramov warned that settler violence has reached "unprecedented levels," with many incidents occurring in the presence of Israeli occupation forces. The UN has consistently expressed concern over the expansion of Israeli settlements and the impact on Palestinian communities.
The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories remains a pressing concern for the international community, with efforts to revive stalled peace talks and address the humanitarian crisis ongoing. The UN continues to call for restraint and a return to negotiations.
The international community is urged to take action to address the escalating situation, with a focus on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The UN's humanitarian efforts are ongoing, with a focus on providing assistance to those affected by the violence and displacement.
Key points
- UN official warns of unprecedented levels of Israeli settlements and settler violence in occupied Palestinian territories
- Over 33,000 Palestinians remain displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams camps
- Settler violence has reached "unprecedented levels," with many incidents occurring in the presence of Israeli occupation forces
