UN Report Warns of Escalating Settlement Activity, Violence, Displacement in West Bank
A new United Nations report has warned of continued Israeli settlement expansion, escalating violence, and the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, undermining the prospects for the two-State solution.
Key Findings:
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Settlement Activity: Ramiz Alakbarov, Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, noted that settlement activity had continued at high levels. Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. During the reporting period, nearly 4,570 housing units were advanced or approved in Area C of the West Bank and 3,515 units in East Jerusalem.
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Violence and Displacement: The UN documented 630 settler attacks, resulting in 11 Palestinian deaths and 430 injuries. Additionally, 343 Palestinians were displaced from 17 communities.
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Gaza Situation: The report highlighted the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with Israeli military operations continuing west of the so-called “Yellow Line,” including shootings, shelling, and airstrikes in densely populated areas.
Remember that: This report underscores the complex and volatile nature of the Middle East conflict, specifically in the West Bank and Gaza.