Escalating Violence in the West Bank and Gaza: UN Raises Alarm Over Killings and Humanitarian Crisis
Since the start of Israel’s military offensive on January 21, at least 44 Palestinians, including five children and two women, have been killed in the Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas governorates, as well as in four refugee camps in these areas, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The UN rights office has condemned the killings, stating that many of those killed were unarmed and posed no imminent threat. These incidents are part of what the OHCHR describes as an “expanding pattern of Israel’s unlawful use of force in the West Bank, where there are no active hostilities.”
The situation has also led to an unprecedented scale of mass displacement in the occupied West Bank, a phenomenon not seen in decades. Displaced residents have reported being forced out of their homes under the threat of violence, with Israeli security forces and drones directing their movements. This alarming trend has raised serious concerns about violations of international law and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Unprecedented Displacement and Forced Evictions in the West Bank
The OHCHR has highlighted disturbing testimonies from displaced Palestinians, many of whom were forced to leave their homes under duress. Reports indicate that Israeli security forces used snipers positioned on rooftops and occupied houses as military posts, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Residents were reportedly threatened with violence and told they would never be allowed to return to their homes.
One harrowing account comes from a woman who fled barefoot, carrying her two young children. She was denied permission to retrieve heart medication for her baby, underscoring the dire conditions faced by displaced families. In the Jenin refugee camp, bulldozed roads were photographed with new street signs reportedly written in Hebrew, symbolizing the erasure of Palestinian presence in the area.
The OHCHR has reiterated that any forcible transfer or deportation of people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited under international law and constitutes a crime. “Displaced Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes,” the office stated, calling for immediate and transparent investigations into the killings and forced displacements.
Legal Obligations and Accountability
The OHCHR has emphasized Israel’s obligations under international law, including the need to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible and to evacuate all West Bank settlements immediately. As the occupying power, Israel is required to ensure the protection of Palestinians, provide basic services, and respect their full range of human rights.
The UN rights office also stressed that military commanders and other superiors may be held responsible for crimes committed by their subordinates if they fail to take necessary measures to prevent or punish unlawful killings. “Israel must uphold its legal obligations and ensure accountability for violations,” the OHCHR stated.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: WFP Steps Up Aid Efforts
While the West Bank faces escalating violence and displacement, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains critical. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that it has reached more than 860,000 men, women, and children with food parcels, hot meals, bread, and cash assistance since the start of a fragile ceasefire. Over 19,000 metric tonnes of WFP food have entered Gaza, providing much-needed relief to families struggling amid the ongoing crisis.
The WFP has also distributed nutrition packs to approximately 85,000 people, including children under five, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, more than 90,000 people have received cash assistance in the past two weeks. Efforts are underway to establish more food distribution points, particularly in North Gaza, to reduce travel distances, transport costs, and protection risks for families.
Healthcare and Education: Steps Toward Recovery
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to address the healthcare crisis in Gaza. On Friday, the WHO distributed 100,000 litres of fuel to hospitals in Gaza City, following the delivery of 5,000 litres of fuel to Al Awda Hospital in North Gaza the previous day. These efforts are critical to ensuring that medical facilities can continue to operate and provide life-saving care.
In southern Gaza, education partners in Rafah are preparing to reopen at least a dozen schools as displaced families return to their home areas. Schools across the Strip had been used as shelters for Palestinians displaced during 15 months of hostilities. In Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, partners are providing cleaning materials to restart learning activities, offering a glimmer of hope for children who have endured prolonged disruptions to their education.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Humanitarian Action
The escalating violence in the West Bank and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscore the urgent need for international attention and action. The OHCHR’s findings highlight the severe human rights violations faced by Palestinians, including unlawful killings, forced displacements, and the denial of basic services. Israel’s obligations under international law must be upheld, and accountability for violations must be ensured.
Meanwhile, the efforts of UN agencies like the WFP and WHO provide critical support to vulnerable populations, but much more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis. As the international community grapples with these challenges, the voices of displaced and affected Palestinians must be heard, and their rights must be protected.
The situation in the West Bank and Gaza is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of upholding international law and humanitarian principles. Only through sustained efforts and a commitment to justice can lasting peace and stability be achieved.
https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/north-africa/israel/palestine