The United Nations on Wednesday accused Israel of imposing an “apartheid system” in the West Bank, citing decades of discrimination and segregation against Palestinians. UN rights chief Volker Turk said Palestinians face systematic restrictions on daily life, including access to water, schools, hospitals, land, and family visits.
The report warned that Palestinians live under discriminatory laws and policies, while Israeli settlers enjoy separate legal protections. Turk called on Israel to repeal all laws and practices that perpetuate racial, religious, or ethnic discrimination against Palestinians.
Read more: UN Chief: Gaza, West bank, and climate all near collapse
Settler violence has intensified in recent years, often with the acquiescence of Israeli security forces, the report said. More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank, home to around three million Palestinians, fueling tensions and conflict.
The report highlighted nearly complete impunity for unlawful killings and violations. Since 2017, over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, but only 112 investigations were opened, resulting in a single conviction. Human rights violations have escalated since Israel’s 2023 Gaza conflict, including arbitrary detention, media restrictions, and civil society repression.
Read more: UN: 1000+ Palestinians killed in West Bank over two years
The UN urged Israel to dismantle settlements, respect Palestinian self-determination, and end systemic oppression. It warned that the separation, segregation, and subordination of Palestinians amounts to violations of international anti-racism and anti-apartheid conventions.