United Nations: Settler Attacks Displace Thousands of Palestinians in West Bank

United Nations sources reported that the escalating pace of settler attacks in the occupied West Bank has led to a widespread displacement wave affecting approximately 880 Palestinian families. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, clarified that these coercive practices have resulted in the displacement of over 4,700 people, amidst warnings of continued violence perpetrated by both Israeli forces and settler groups.

Dujarric noted in a press briefing that international humanitarian organizations are gravely concerned about the destruction of property and the casualties resulting from these policies. He confirmed that the period between February 3rd and 6th witnessed a bloody escalation that led to the martyrdom of three Palestinians by occupation forces' bullets, raising the death toll since the beginning of this year to nine martyrs, including two children.

Regarding the details of the field attacks, sources recorded at least 86 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers in just a few days. These attacks resulted in injuries to over 60 Palestinian citizens, in addition to forcing another 146 people to leave their homes and be forcibly displaced for fear of their lives from sudden attacks.

The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the killing of 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siam, a Palestinian citizen holding American nationality, who fell victim to an attack carried out by settlers. The same assault resulted in three other Palestinians being shot, in an incident described by the international organization as reflecting a lack of accountability and rampant violence in the occupied territories.

The United Nations called on Israeli authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of Abu Siam's death and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Dujarric stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, is legally obligated to take concrete steps to prevent acts of violence committed by settlers against unarmed Palestinian civilians and protect them from retaliatory practices.

On the Lebanese front, the UN spokesperson revealed continued Israeli violations targeting international peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL). He pointed to repeated incidents of obstruction and aggressive behavior by the occupation army, the latest of which was a serious intimidation incident targeting a UN soldier while performing his official duties at a UN site.

According to field reports, Israeli soldiers approached a peacekeeper near the Naqoura area, pointing their weapons directly at him from a very close distance of no more than ten meters. The United Nations affirmed its categorical rejection of these actions, demanding an immediate halt to any interference or intimidation that hinders the work of international missions tasked with monitoring stability on the borders.

Settler attacks in the West Bank have caused the displacement of approximately 880 Palestinian families, totaling over 4,700 people.