Geneva - Saba:
UN experts on Wednesday called for an immediate end to attacks by Israeli settlers and occupation forces against Palestinian civilians, their properties, farmers, and workers in the occupied West Bank, including Al-Quds.
In a statement, the experts said, "We are deeply alarmed by reports of widespread intimidation, violence, land seizures, and the destruction of livelihoods, leading to the forced displacement of communities. We fear this could sever Palestinians from their lands and undermine their food security."
They added, "Acts of violence, property destruction, and denial of access to land and resources appear to form a systematic pattern of human rights violations."
The experts noted a "disturbing pattern of attacks targeting West Bank communities, including assaults on civilians, the demolition of homes and livelihoods, and the forced displacement of families."
They emphasized that reports indicate "settler violence has included arson, livestock theft, and the poisoning or destruction of water sources, severely undermining Palestinians' ability to sustain their agricultural way of life."
Furthermore, the demolition of "Palestinian-owned structures has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving families homeless and vulnerable."
The experts stated, "Ongoing attacks against Palestinian farmers and rural communities do not appear incidental but rather part of a deliberate strategy to erase their presence in key agricultural areas, undermine their food security and sovereignty, and ultimately sever Palestinians from their lands. Hundreds of Bedouin families, including many children, have been displaced due to settler violence and intimidation."
They confirmed that "these attacks have caused severe economic damage, including an estimated $76 million in direct agricultural losses in the West Bank between October 7, 2023, and late 2024. Estimates suggest the West Bank’s GDP has declined by over 19%, with unemployment rising to 35%."
The experts stressed that "Israel, as the occupying power, bears the responsibility to take necessary measures to protect Palestinian communities at risk of displacement and violence. This includes immediately halting violence, ceasing illegal settlement expansion, conducting effective and impartial investigations into violations, prosecuting those responsible, and ensuring victims have access to justice and reparations."
They added, "The West Bank must remain under Palestinian control, in line with the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and full respect for international law."
The experts urged "Israel to immediately end its illegal presence in the West Bank and ensure compliance with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion issued on July 19, 2024, including the evacuation of all settlers from the occupied Palestinian territory."
They also called on the international community to act urgently to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent armed settler groups from continuing their actions with impunity.
Concluding their statement, the experts emphasized, "Silence and inaction only encourage further violations. We urge all states to fulfill their obligations under international law—including through targeted measures, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure—to end these systematic abuses , protect Palestinian lives, livelihoods, and fundamental rights. The time for justice is now."
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