The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has revealed a disturbing surge in illegal Israeli settler-related incidents across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, marking the highest number of such incidents in nearly two decades. In a report released Tuesday, OCHA highlighted that around 1,400 incidents—including assaults, arson, raids on Palestinian communities, and the destruction of agricultural property—have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and significant property damage.
The report notes that these violent events, averaging nearly four per day, have significantly impacted Palestinian communities. Around 12% of displaced Palestinians in the West Bank have cited settler violence and restricted access as primary factors driving their displacement.
The year 2023 alone witnessed the second-highest number of Palestinian fatalities since OCHA began tracking in the region, with over 480 Palestinians, including children, losing their lives in the occupied territories. Most of these fatalities were attributed to Israeli forces, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
OCHA’s findings paint a grim picture of escalating tensions and violence in the region, underscoring the increasing difficulties faced by Palestinians amid settler violence and military operations. The ongoing situation remains a critical concern, as the cycle of violence continues to take a heavy toll on civilian populations.
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