The United Nations has warned of the continued displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank at "high levels," amid escalating Israeli settler violence and demolition operations, confirming that more than 900 Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes since the beginning of 2026. Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that this large number of displaced persons is mostly due to "settler violence and restrictions on access, particularly through demolitions," noting that the phenomenon has seen an alarming escalation in recent weeks.
During a press conference, Dujarric explained that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented, between January 20th and last Monday, more than 50 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers, resulting in Palestinian casualties, damage to property, or both.
He added that the United Nations is conducting initial assessments of damages and needs following these incidents, with the aim of guiding the UN humanitarian response, emphasizing the necessity for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
These warnings come at a time when UN complaints continue regarding Israel's non-compliance with the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement in effect since October 10th in the Gaza Strip, concerning the entry of fuel, humanitarian aid, and rubble removal equipment.
In a related context, Dujarric noted that more than 18,500 patients in the Gaza Strip still require specialized treatment not available locally, commending the efforts of the World Health Organization and its partners in evacuating 8 patients and 17 companions through the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
The UN spokesperson reiterated the call to reopen referral pathways for patients to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to alleviate pressure on the overwhelmed health system in the Gaza Strip.
It is worth noting that the Israeli army had taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah land crossing last May, imposing strict restrictions on movement, and only allowing limited quantities of fuel and aid, which exacerbated the humanitarian crisis within the Strip. Despite the reopening of the crossing earlier this week, Palestinians returning from Egypt to Gaza complained of ill-treatment and significant harassment, amid Israeli procedures described as highly complex.
This large number of displaced persons is mostly due to settler violence and restrictions on access, particularly through demolitions.
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United Nations: Over 900 Palestinians displaced in West Bank since early 2026