GENEVA: The United Nations reported that Israeli forces and settlers killed more than 1,030 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank over two years. The victims include 233 children, highlighting the severity of the ongoing violence. UN officials stressed that the increasing attacks have gone largely unaccounted for.
At a press conference, a UN Human Rights spokesperson said the killings have risen since October 7, 2023. He expressed shock over the recent public killing of two Palestinians in Jenin by Israeli border police. The spokesperson called for immediate, independent investigations into these deaths.
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The UN highlighted that Israeli settlers’ attacks are growing, often targeting civilians, property, and homes. Since the start of this year, over 1,600 attacks by settlers caused severe casualties and property damage. More than 1,000 Palestinians were injured, mostly from physical assaults, stone-throwing, or tear gas.
Approximately 700 Palestinians were directly injured by settlers, nearly double the number injured in 2024. The remaining injuries were caused by Israeli forces, showing an alarming escalation in violence. The UN called for ending impunity for illegal use of force and attacks by settlers.
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The report emphasized that daily violence continues in the West Bank, causing loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property. The UN urged immediate protective measures and justice for the victims to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.