Geneva, The UN Human Rights Chief has expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s plans to construct additional settler homes in the West Bank, which are considered violations of international law.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the report presented to the Human Rights Council by the Chief criticizes Israel’s new settlement endeavors in Maale Adumim, Efrat, and Kedar. The report emphasizes that these actions contravene international law, particularly pointing out the expansion of Israeli settlements as a form of population transfer regarded as a war crime. The period between November 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023, saw a significant expansion in settlement activities, with a record high number of housing units advanced within these settlements, notably including a substantial increase in East Jerusalem.
The findings suggest that the Israeli government’s policies are closely aligned with the settler movement’s ambitions, aiming to cement control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem and assimilate these areas into Israel. This stance conflicts with international opinions expressed at the International Court of Justice regarding Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The report also highlights the severe implications of settlement expansions, including increased settler and state violence against Palestinians, forced evictions, and movement restrictions, exacerbating the crisis in the West Bank. It details the rise in settler attacks and displacement of Palestinian communities, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution that ends the occupation and establishes a Palestinian state while ensuring respect for Palestinians’ rights.