Jerusalem: Israel last year ratcheted up settlement of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, transferring its own population into the territory and unlawfully demolishing Palestinian homes, while settler violence increased in a climate of continuing impunity, a report by the UN Human Rights Office has found.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk stated that Israel's settlement policy, acts of annexation, and related discriminatory legislation and measures are in breach of international law, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice, and violate Palestinians' right to self-determination. Trk urged Israel to cease all settlement activities immediately, evacuate settlers, stop the forcible transfer of Palestinians, and prevent and punish attacks by its forces and settlers.
The report highlights the ongoing transfer of government powers from the Israeli military to the Israeli Government over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, facilitating the advancement of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and integrating the territory into Israel. Covering the period from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024, it details significant expansion of settlements in the area, including steps toward constructing over 20,000 housing units in East Jerusalem and the demolition of 214 Palestinian properties.
In the rest of the West Bank, over 10,300 units are planned within existing settlements, and 49 new outposts have been established. Unauthorized roads have been paved to connect settlements while restricting Palestinian movement, further enabling land seizure. The report also notes plans to expand Israeli government services in settlements, institutionalizing discrimination and oppression against Palestinians.
The report documents a climate of violence, with 612 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers during the reporting period, and an increase in settler violence incidents. The blurring line between settler and state violence is highlighted, with thousands of settlers enlisted into Israeli security forces. Additionally, 1,779 Palestinian structures were demolished for lacking building permits, resulting in the displacement of 4,527 people, marking a significant rise in forced displacements.
The High Commissioner emphasized that the transfer of Israel's civilian population into occupied territories constitutes a war crime and called for international action against Israel's settlement activities. He reiterated the necessity for Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice's ruling and make reparations for the damage caused by illegal settlement practices.
