UN warns of rising settler violence and settlement expansion in West Bank

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of escalating attacks by Israeli settlers and expanding settlement activity in the West Bank. The warning comes two years after the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion declaring Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories illegal and calling for its swift end.

Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said eight Palestinians, including a child, have been killed in the West Bank since last Thursday. She noted that settlers and Israeli security forces have carried out attacks on Palestinian communities, including assaults on residents, destruction and confiscation of property, mosque arson, and tighter restrictions on movement and access to essential services.

The office expressed concern over the Israeli government's announcement to expand settlements and outposts, as well as growing calls for revenge and collective punishment against Palestinians. It urged the international community to take urgent steps to halt violence, stop settlement expansion, and end the occupation.

In Gaza, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of worsening health risks due to a surge in rodents and deteriorating sanitation services. The office said humanitarian partners are working to scale up pest control and improve water and sanitation services, supported by supplies that have reached the enclave.

OCHA highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing water, noting that the UN and its partners continue to implement projects supporting water, sanitation, and education services. Around 430,000 children have enrolled in more than 600 temporary learning sites, but nearly half of school-age children still lack adequate educational opportunities.