The United Nations has expressed grave concerns regarding the Israeli military’s use of force during its raid this week in the West Bank, including techniques “developed for warfare.”
Yesterday, hundreds of residents from Jenin fled their homes as the military demolished several houses in the West Bank city.
This operation commenced shortly after a ceasefire began in Gaza, which marked the first exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails since a brief truce in November 2023.
According to Israeli officials, the operation in Jenin targeted what the military described as Iranian-backed militant groups in the refugee camp located next to the city, which has been a significant hub for armed Palestinian groups for many years.
“We are profoundly troubled by the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank,” said UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan during a media briefing in Geneva.
“The lethal Israeli operations in recent days raise serious worries about unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including tactics and means designed for warfare, contravening international human rights law, norms, and standards applicable to law enforcement operations.”
“This encompasses multiple airstrikes and seemingly indiscriminate gunfire at unarmed residents trying to escape or find safety.”
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has urged Israel to implement and uphold rules of engagement that fully align with relevant human rights norms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the goal of the operation, referred to as “Iron Wall,” was to “eradicate terrorism” in the region.
Mr. Kheetan indicated that the UN rights office had confirmed that at least 12 Palestinians had been killed and 40 injured by Israeli security forces since Tuesday, noting that most of them were reportedly unarmed.
He called for a thorough and independent investigation into all killings occurring in a law enforcement context.
“Those accountable for unlawful killings must be held responsible,” the spokesman added.
Mr. Kheetan noted that following the ceasefire announcement in Gaza, Israeli settlers in the West Bank had been “attacking Palestinian villages and stoning vehicles,” with homes and cars being set ablaze.
“We are also alarmed by repeated statements from some Israeli officials regarding plans to further expand settlements, constituting yet another violation of international law. We reiterate that the transfer of Israel’s civilian population into occupied territories also constitutes a war crime,” he stated.
“We call for an immediate cessation of violence in the West Bank. Furthermore, we urge all parties, including third states with influence, to utilize all their resources to ensure that peace is established in the region.”
