UN Warns of Rising Intimidation by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

HAMILTON, Canada — The United Nations has warned about an ongoing campaign of intimidation by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, highlighting growing violence and forced displacement affecting Palestinian communities.

Movement restrictions worsen humanitarian situation

During a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said increased closures of Israeli checkpoints and road gates since the recent regional escalation have limited Palestinians’ access to workplaces and essential services.

As a result, emergency response teams and humanitarian organizations now face additional obstacles while carrying out their operations.

Settler violence forces families to leave homes

Dujarric also noted that operations by Israeli settlers and security forces continue across the West Bank. According to the UN, these actions have caused casualties, property damage, and forced displacement among Palestinians.

He added that attacks, threats, trespassing, and intimidation by settlers from a newly established outpost forced at least eight Palestinian families — about 45 people — to leave their community of Shakara on Thursday.

UN calls for protection and accountability

Following the displacement, the United Nations and its partners provided support to affected families. The assistance includes mental health services, legal advice, emergency shelter, and financial aid.

Dujarric emphasized that Palestinians in the West Bank must receive protection and that those responsible for violence should face accountability.

Violence has increased since Gaza war

Tensions in the West Bank have intensified since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 8, 2023. Since then, Israeli forces and settlers have carried out attacks that include killings, arrests, property destruction, home demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion.
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