OHCHR spokesperson Tameen al-Khitan said Israeli military operations in and around the Jenin refugee camp included “unwarranted” use of force, including airstrikes and gunfire that reportedly targeted unarmed residents. He added that it was
“The deadly operations by Israel in recent days constitute an unnecessary or unjustified use of force, including methods and means developed for combat, in violation of international human rights law, the norms and standards applicable to law enforcement operations. This raises serious concerns.”
OHCHR confirmed that at least 12 Palestinians, most reportedly unarmed, have been killed and 40 more injured since Tuesday. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the injured included a doctor and two nurses.
Duty to protect civilians
Mr. Alkitan reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, has a responsibility under international law to protect civilians living under occupation.
He stressed the need for investigations into alleged unlawful killings and warned that a lack of accountability risks perpetuating violence.
“All killings in law enforcement must be thoroughly and independently investigated, and those responsible for unlawful killings must be held accountable,” he said.
“By failing for years to hold those responsible for its security forces accountable for unlawful killings, Israel is not only violating its obligations under international law but also risks encouraging a recurrence of such killings. “Yes,” he warned.
Community impact
The ongoing violence has displaced more than 3,000 households in Jenin and severely disrupted critical services such as water and electricity for weeks.
Israeli forces have blocked major entrances to Palestinian cities, including Hebron, restricting movement and paralyzing daily life. Thirteen new iron gates have reportedly been installed at the entrances to other West Bank towns.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher also warned of record levels of casualties, displacement and access restrictions since October 2023 during a Security Council briefing on Thursday.
Settler violence and settlement expansion
In addition to military operations, there has been an increase in settler attacks on Palestinian villages and stone-throwing of vehicles, injuring several Palestinians.
An OHCHR spokesperson said houses and vehicles were set on fire.
He also expressed concern about repeated statements by some Israeli officials about plans for further settlement expansion, which violates international law.
“We call for an immediate end to the violence in the West Bank. We also call on all parties, including influential third countries, to do everything in their power to ensure peace in the region. ” said Alkitan.
He reiterated High Commissioner Volker Türk’s call for Israel to halt settlement expansion and vacate all settlements in accordance with the requirements of international law.
“We call on all parties, including influential third countries, to do everything in their power to ensure peace in the region,” Alkitan said.
Relief operations continue in Gaza
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the United Nations continues to work with humanitarian partners to support communities in need across the Strip.
The aid coordination agency OCHA said 339 trucks carrying critical aid supplies entered the enclave on Thursday, with assistance focused on food, water and hygiene supplies.
Since the cease-fire took effect six days ago, more than 200,000 food parcels have been distributed to 130 sites, reaching families in areas such as Jabaliya, in north Gaza province, which have been under siege for months.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also provided water trucks and hygiene kits to 5,000 people in Jabariya.
Gaza humanitarian update from Ruth Boren, UNICEF communications specialist based in Al Mawashi:
Return to North Gaza
Humanitarian partners further noted that hundreds of displaced residents in Gaza City have begun returning to northern Gaza governorate, while remaining residents of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis remain in temporary evacuation centers. They reported plans to move north.
A rapid assessment carried out by the United Nations and partners in 13 locations in south-central Gaza found that displaced families are receiving some support, including food, water and sanitation services, but still lack access to drinking water, hygiene products, blankets and It turns out that we are facing a severe shortage of food items. clothing.
Humanitarian organizations are preparing to respond to the urgent needs of displaced families trying to return to their mostly destroyed homes as large-scale population movements are expected between southern and northern Gaza starting next week.
OCHA stressed that while aid operations are expanding, more resources are urgently needed.
Situation in southern Lebanon
In the wider Middle East, the United Nations called on Israel and Lebanon to fulfill their commitments in a cessation of hostilities agreement last November, following reports that Israeli troops would remain in Lebanon last Sunday.
“We urge both sides to avoid further action that could escalate tensions and further delay the return of people from both sides to their towns and villages,” UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at a regular news conference in New York. I request you to do so.”
According to the agreement, Israel is required to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days after Hezbollah withdraws its military presence there.
“We are committed to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah) as a comprehensive path towards long-term peace, security and stability on both sides of the Blue Line. We will continue to demand implementation,” Haq said. Said.
He said the United Nations, including the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), remained “absolutely committed” to supporting the parties to the cessation of hostilities and upholding their obligations under resolution 1701. I added that I have it.
