WEST BANK (AP)-In a solemn declaration on Friday, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, warning that the situation risks spiraling ‘out of control’. With at least 18 lives lost this week alone, the region has witnessed a distressing series of incidents involving Israeli military incursions, Palestinian attacks, and clashes with Jewish settlers.
Turk underscored the devastating impact of these recent killings, along with the surge in violence and inflammatory rhetoric, emphasizing that they further exacerbate the deep-rooted divide between Israelis and Palestinians. This wave of violence has pushed the region into an abyss of despair, threatening any prospects of peaceful coexistence.
Since the beginning of this year, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has claimed over 200 lives, with the overwhelming majority being Palestinians who have borne the brunt of the violence. The recent surge in deadly clashes has particularly devastated the northern West Bank, home to Palestinian militants whose military operations have intensified.
The violence this week has been fueled not only by political tensions, but also by the alarming escalation of Israel’s use of advanced military weapons, Turk said. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate end to the violence and stressed the imperative to protect the lives of Palestinians and Israelis.
International human rights law requires Israeli authorities to ensure that all operations are carefully planned and carried out to prevent the use of lethal force. Mr Turk stressed the urgent need for effective investigations into all deaths resulting from such circumstances, stressing the importance of accountability and justice. Furthermore, as an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility under international humanitarian law to maintain the security and security of the occupied Palestinian territory. The Turkish president urged Israel to quickly reconsider its policies and actions in the West Bank to align with international human rights standards and protect fundamental rights to life.
Turk stressed the urgent need to address the underlying dynamics that fuel violence and indiscriminate loss of life. This effort will require the unwavering political will of Israel, the Palestinians and the international community. Turk stressed that ending the occupation is an important step that all political leaders on all sides must take to achieve lasting peace and security. The escalating violence in the West Bank is a painful reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community is called upon to redouble its efforts to address the root causes of violence and promote meaningful dialogue between the parties.
