UN Warns Occupied West Bank Violence Risks Spiraling out of Control

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed his concerns over the last week's violence in the Occupied West Bank.

In a statement, he warned that such actions only exacerbate the tensions and risks of conflict in the region, noting that the West Bank is facing an escalation in the use of advanced military weaponry by Israel.

Türk said the sharp deterioration was having a terrible impact on both Palestinians and Israelis and called for an immediate end to the violence.

Türks remarks came in response to Monday's Israeli Security Forces’ operation in Jenin Refugee Camp that killed at least seven Palestinians, including a boy and a girl, and injured at least 91 Palestinians and seven Israeli soldiers.

He issued a reminder to Israeli authorities of their obligations under international law with respect to the use of lethal force.

The High Commissioner said: “Israel must urgently reset its policies and actions in the Occupied West Bank in line with international human rights standards, including protecting and respecting the right to life.”

He added: “As the occupying power, Israel also has obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure public order and safety within the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”